Clashes displace villagers in Rathedaung Township

By Win Nyunt 25 Jan 2020

Win Nyunt | DMG
25 January, Rathedaung

Since clashes broke out near Kyaukyan and Maung Phyu villages in Rathedaung Township, Arakan State, in the evening of January 24, residents have fled to nearby villages, according to local sources.

The Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA) fought about 1.5 miles south of Kyaukyan village and residents there have fled to Yaybote village and Rathedaung town, said a villager who wished to remain anonymous.

There are more than 150 households with more than 800 people living in Kyaukyan village, the villager said.

Another clash broke out two miles north of Maung Phyu village, with residents there fleeing to nearby settlements, said a Maung Phyu villager.

“Some people have stayed in the village. We have to eat whatever we have because we fled from home,” the villager said.

Maung Phyu village is comprised of more than 80 households with over 200 people, residents said.

Amyotha Hluttaw lawmaker U Khin Maung Latt from Rathedaung Township confirmed the displacement of civilians due to clashes near their villages, but said he did not know the exact number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) resulting from the recent hostilities.

With conflict between the Tatmadaw and the AA continuing for more than a year, the number of IDPs in Arakan State has topped 100,000, according to the Rakhine Ethnics Congress. Many of the displaced face difficulties meeting basic food and shelter needs, as well as lacking access to education and healthcare.