Hundred of IDPs from Kyauktaw Twsp displacement camp relocated

29 Apr 2023

DMG Newsroom
29 April 2023, Kyauktaw

Hundreds of internally displaced people (IDPs) at the Wah Taung displacement camp in Arakan State’s Kyauktaw Township were reportedly relocated to Taungmin Kalar IDP camp on Saturday.

The land plot where Wah Taung IDP camp is built is owned by two villagers and the IDPs were relocated as they will no longer be allowed to live in that area.

“Most IDP families moved to a new location. One of the land owners still allows IDPs to live there. The owner of the land plot is going to plough the field. This is the reason why 374 IDPs moved to a new location,” U Aung Kyaw Win, manager of the IDP camp, told DMG.

IDPs had been living on the land by renting plots from the owner of the farm. The Wah Taung IDP camp accommodates more than 500 IDPs and over 100 still live in the camp.

The new location near Taungmin Kalar IDP camp is about two miles from Wah Taung Village and IDPs are facing a scarcity of drinking water and are asking for financial assistance to build new shelters.

“We need construction materials such as tarpaulins and bamboo to build new shelters. We had to move from one place to another, so it was difficult for us,” said U Naing Win Tun, an IDP from Wah Taung displacement camp.

The Wah Taung camp, home to Mro IDPs from villages such as Khamaung, Kinbi, Tewa and Theinchaung along the upper reaches of the Yoe Creek in Kyauktaw Township, has been around for nearly five years.

“About 400 IDPs from Wah Taung IDP camp moved to Taungmin Kalar IDP camp today. We have some difficulties and we need toilets and drinking water. They face financial difficulties to build their homes,” said Daw Aye Aye Khin, in-charge of the displacement camp.