Families unable to contact dozens of detained IDPs in Ann Twsp

By Admin 09 Oct 2024

DMG Newsroom
9 October 2024, Ann

Family members are worried about the fate of at least five dozen internally displaced people (IDPs) in Ann Township, Arakan State, as they have not been in contact with them since they were arrested by Myanmar's military regime.

Residents from Ywartharyar, Melaungchaung and Kyauksakwe villages fled to nearby villages following a clash between junta and Arakkha Army (AA) troops near Kyauksakwe Village on September 26.

They fled to Ann Town on September 29 due to escalating military tensions, but on the way, more than 60 villagers including women were arrested by a junta column.

"Most family members of the detained civilians are taking shelter at some locations arranged by the regime. They are not allowed to phone or go outside," said a local resident.

Residents from Ywartharyar, Melaungchaung and Kyauksakwe villages displaced by fighting are taking refuge in Ann's Myothit Ward and on U Ottama Hill, where they are barred from leaving or contacting their relatives.

The detained villagers, meanwhile, are reportedly being held at a junta base on a hill that also hosts Kantkaw Htataung Pagoda in Ann Town.

The regime has sent reinforcements and tightened security in Ann after it lost Mt. Mel tactical command base to the AA on October 7. Some locals have fled to safer locations fearing the possibility of fighting in urban Ann.

"Family members of the military and those close to the regime have fled to mainland Myanmar over recent days. The grassroots remain in Ann, but most residents are attempting to flee to safer locations," said a local woman.

Although the junta is evacuating the families of military personnel in Ann to mainland Myanmar, it has reportedly provided no such courtesy to civilian employees of the regime.

"The regime evacuates families of the military, but we have been barred from fleeing Ann," said an educational employee.

The AA has clashed with the military intermittently in Ann Township since April and has so far seized the Tawhein and Mt. Mel tactical command bases.

Residents have expressed feelings of deep insecurity as the regime continues to target civilians with airstrikes and artillery fire, as well as arresting civilians on suspicion.