Thousands of IDPs in Ann face hardships due to lack of assistance

Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 6 October 2024

Thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs), who sought refuge in the urban areas of Ann township in Arakan State, are now facing significant hardships in their livelihoods as they face lack of assistance from any sources.

Mentionable is that thousands of Arakanese and Chin people fled to Ann  from nearby villages namely Kyauk Sa Kwe, Mel Taung Chey, Mee Laung Chaung, etc due to the ongoing clashes between the junta soldiers and Arakan Army (AA) fighters near Mel Taung and Kyauk Sa Kwe villages since 26 September.

A woman refugee informed Narinjara News that many people are staying in the monasteries and churches as well as on Myo Thit and U Ottama hills.

"There are difficulties in making a living because they have been displaced from their places. There is no one to help them," added the lady.

While the exact number of IDPs fleeing from each village is not reported, estimates suggest their number may go above one thousand.

A local social activist stated that the junta soldiers belonging to the Ann-based  373rd light infantry battalion transported the IDPs to urban areas with military vehicles, but no assistance was provided.

"Some IDPs fled to the AA controlled areas. The remaining villagers, who did not escape, were taken away by the junta soldiers under the pretense of being rescued from the AA offensive. In reality, they fled because the junta conducted airstrikes and shelled their villages. When they arrived in  town, they were not provided any assistance," added the activist.

A female resident of Ann said that around 60 IDPs, who sought refuge in the urban areas in recent days, were arrested from the  military checkpoints set up by the 373rd battalion and they are yet to be released.

"They were arrested on suspicion only. I haven't heard of anyone being released yet. The 373rd battalion detained them at Kant Kaw Ta Htaung pagoda," added the lady.

The residents also reported an exchange of shelling between the junta forces and AA fighters in Ann locality where some shells landed inside the western command base.

The ongoing fighting left many residents worried, prompting them to flee towards mainland Myanmar.