Food Crisis Looms for Thousands Stuck in Ann Town as Conflict Rages On

Min Shin Saw, Narinjara News, 29 October 2024

Thousands of people forced from their homes are now trapped in Ann Town due to ongoing clashes. They face a growing risk of hunger as food supplies run dangerously low.

A local resident reported that since the morning of October 27, when the military rulers banned displaced people from leaving town and limited their movement, getting food has become extremely difficult.

"People who've fled to Ann Town can't get help from anyone. They're struggling to feed themselves. They left home with almost nothing. Now, they can't go anywhere and might soon face starvation," the resident said.

As of October 27 morning, the military has stopped all travel between seven parts of Ann Town: Ah Mu Htan, Lay Yin Kwin, Myoe Haung, No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, and Auk Ywar.

"Since this morning, we can't move at all. We can't even go from one area to another. They told us anyone who enters the banned areas will be shot," the resident added.

Right now, about 3,000 to 4,000 people are in Ann Town, including those  who have been displaced.

They worry about their safety due to the fighting and are scared about running out of food, which could lead to widespread hunger, according to a local aid worker.

"Ann Town has always relied on rice from other places, mainly Minbu, Magway, and lower Arakan State. Now that the roads are closed, rice can't reach the town. People are in big trouble, especially kids and older folks," he explained.

The military has forced people from many villages to move to Ann Town. These villages include Sin Doe, Daing Gyi, Thit Pote Pin, Doe Ka Lay, Gin Kone, In Kone, Pel Padon, Zar Di Maw, Yat Thar, Ywar Thit, Ka Nyin Taung, Kan Date, Sue Pote, Pyin Taw, Myauk. Phat, Hta Min Htoke, Lone, Kyaung Phyu Kwin, Kyauk Sa Kwe, and Mee Kyaung Chaung.

Fighting is happening in several parts of the town, and military planes are dropping bombs across the area. This has left thousands of locals, including those who have been forced to leave their homes, stuck in the town with no way out.

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