Ann IDPs unable to return home amid security concerns and livelihood hardships

By Admin 19 Mar 2026

DMG Newsroom

19 March 2026, Ann

Residents displaced from the Darlatchaung area in Ann Township due to fighting in 2024 say they remain unable to return to their homes because of ongoing security threats and livelihood challenges.

The displacement was triggered by heavy artillery and airstrikes that struck residential areas during the conflict, forcing residents to abandon their homes and property.

Many of the displaced are currently sheltering in nearby areas controlled by the Arakan Army (AA) or in other parts of Myanmar, with only a small number having returned, according to local residents.

“People have been fleeing since the fighting started. While a few have returned, the majority remain away. The main reasons are fear of airstrikes and livelihood difficulties. Many houses in the village are still locked and empty,” said a woman from Darlat Old Village.

Residents of the Darlatchaung village tract primarily rely on hill farming and forest resources such as timber and bamboo. However, living in remote areas has made access to education, transportation and healthcare increasingly difficult.

The Darlatchaung village tract includes 38 villages such as Darlar (South), Darlar Old Village, Alelkyun, Darlar (West) and Darlar Shankone with a population composed of about 30 percent ethnic Arakanese and 70 percent ethnic Chin.

Those who have returned are facing high commodity prices and limited job opportunities, contributing to ongoing economic hardship.

“Living in our own homes is comfortable, but commodity prices are much higher here. Since our area is isolated, transportation costs are also very high. That’s why many people are not returning yet,” another local resident said.

The situation has been further complicated by recent military airstrikes targeting an Arakan Army prisoner of war camp in the Darlatchaung area, prompting some returnees to flee again.

Although residents can travel to Ann and Kazukaing by land and water, many rely on water transport to reach Kanhtaunggyi in Myebon Township to purchase essential goods such as rice, oil and salt.