Military-AA hostilities displace thousands of Ann Twsp residents

By Admin 13 Oct 2024

DMG Newsroom
13 October 2024, Ann

Thousands of local people from at least 10 villages in Ann Township, Arakan State, have reportedly been displaced by fighting in recent weeks between the Myanmar military and Arakkha Army (AA).

The thousands of residents from Ywathayar, Mee Laung Chaung, Kyauksakwe, Meltaung Chayyin, Kyat, Yattha, Kyaungphyukwin, Kywetalin, Gangawtaung and Sangyi villages have fled to safer locations since early September.

"As the fighting approaches the village, I dare not live in the village. I heard the sounds of heavy weapons and small arm fires, so I fled my home," said a resident of Ann Township.

The displaced civilians are currently taking shelter at Buddhist monasteries, religious buildings, churches and their relatives' homes, with many in urgent need of food and medicine as the region faces soaring prices amid junta blockades affecting the supply of all manner of goods.

The prices for low-grade rice range from K100,000 to K120,000 per sack in Ann. The price of edible oil is K250,000 per viss, one viss of dried chili sells for K30,000 and the price of fish is K20,000 per viss in Ann.

"Commodity prices are skyrocketing and some people are unable to buy basic food. Most displaced people face livelihood difficulties and need rice," said a local resident.

Among the displaced civilians are more than 500 women between the ages of 14 and 40, and they urgently need sanitary pads, according to local residents.

Displaced civilians and locals in Ann Township are facing various hardships due to the junta blockades.

The AA has intensified its assault on Light Infantry Battalion No. 373, located at the entrance to Ann Town, reportedly using artillery and drones.