IDP camp arrivals upsurge due to Tatmadaw’s checks

20 Jun 2019

Khin Tharaphy Oo | DMG

20 June, Sittwe

Villagers from northern Arakan State have taken shelter in IDP camps following armed conflicts between the Tatmadaw and the AA in their regions, U Maung Maung Soe, an observer of Arakan affairs stated.

Tatmadaw troops entered villages and questioned local residents because they suspected that members of the AA are posing as villagers so they try to interview young Arakanese but they flee from their homes because they’re accused of having affiliations with the AA, he said.

“After the incidents in Kyauktan and Lekka villages, people from the whole village fled to IDP camps when they heard a military column was marching to their village. So, IDP camps have an influx of war affected people and displaced people that escape from being questioned,” he said.

He added that the Tatmadaw needs to handle cases in conjunction with civilians because their activity makes villagers anxious about their safety and this could lead to an increase of refugees in IDP camps.

But, Colonel Win Zaw Oo from the Western Command said that the Tatmadaw did not cause regional instability, it was the actions of the the AA that created tension.

“We are working for regional stability. We never caused any activities that resulted in trouble for local residents. The Tatmadaw never committed any acts that could lead to regional instability. Any problems or instability are created by the AA. None of this is related to the Tatmadaw,” he said.