Over 3 million people displaced since Myanmar coup: research group

By Admin 25 Apr 2024

DMG Newsroom
25 April 2024, Sittwe

The number of people displaced by armed conflicts in Myanmar since the 2021 military coup has reached 3,019,550, according to figures compiled by BNI-Myanmar Peace Monitor.

A total of 38,400 people including 3,800 from Sagaing Region, and 200 each from Arakan and Chin states, were forced to flee clashes, junta shellings and arson attacks during the period from March 27 to April 9 of this year alone, BNI-Myanmar Peace Monitor said.

People also fled to safer locations due the possibility of fighting.

“I fled home as I felt insecure in Sittwe. We are worried about our safety in Sittwe. Fighting can take place at any time and there is no rule of law in Sittwe,” said a displaced man from Sittwe.

Nearly 157,000 people have been displaced in Arakan State since renewed fighting broke out between Myanmar’s military regime and the Arakkha Army (AA) on November 13, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said on April 4.

The AA has so far seized nine townships in Arakan State and neighbouring Chin State, and continues to launch offensive attacks on regime forces in an effort to control the entirety of Arakan State.

Fierce clashes are currently reported in Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Ann, Taungup and Thandwe townships, and thousands of locals in Kyaukphyu Township were forced to flee the ongoing fighting.

Those displaced are in urgent need of food, shelter, medicine and drinking water and makeshift tents are urgently needed for them ahead of the rainy season.

“We received a few relief supplies. We cannot work and are afraid of the junta airstrikes. We would like to ask the concerned officials to help us,” said an internally displaced person (IDP) in Arakan State.

Resistance forces across Myanmar have launched attacks on military camps with marked success since late October, with the junta using its army, navy and air forces to respond to the anti-regime onslaught.