ThinzarNwe, Narinjara News, 31 August 2024

ManyArakanese nationals, who fled the conflict in Arakan State due to violence andarrived in Yangon, are now facing various difficulties including racialdiscrimination from others.

AnArakanese, who came to Yangon, said that they are experiencing several forms ofdiscrimination including higher house rents. Often they are asked to pay morefees for guest list registration in ward administration offices. They also face other difficulties invarious aspects.

"Somepeople however help them and usually the ordinary civilians don’t discriminate.The real problem lies with the ward administration officers, police station and some landlords.They demand higher rents and charges," added the Arakanese.

In Yangon,the rental costs for residences almost doubled in July and August. It put theinternally displaced persons (IDPs) in difficult positions.

A displacedwoman informed Narinjara News that the rent for the apartments on 7th and 8thfloors used to cost around Kyats 1 to 2 million per month. Now, the rent hasrisen up to Kyats 3.5 million. For the apartments on the 3rd floor, the renthas increased from Kyats 2 to 5 million.

"Theelderly and children can’t manage to reach the upper floors easily and hencethe ground floor units become more expensive. We have no choice but to live onthe top floor. Some people are even staying in barracks," added the lady.

The Arakanese people are being charged more for any rental accommodation.Often the  tenants are forced to leave the floors they used live as andwhen needed. The Yangon house owners also prevent the Arakanese families fromgetting an apartment.

Othertownships like  Kyauk Myaung, Tamwe, Thingangyun and Dawbon are alsoexperiencing increasing house rents.

TheArakanese IDPs in Yangon also face arrest by the junta soldiers. They havelittle space for jobs in the town. So many of them stay inside to avoid thedetention or arrest, but it does not solve their livelihood problems.

Now the  ArakaneseIDPs want to leave Yangon and return back home. But they are even facing travelrestrictions in the former capital of Myanmar.