IDP population rises in Gwa Twsp due to ongoing fighting

By Admin 30 Nov 2024

DMG Newsroom
30 November 2024, Gwa

Aid workers say an additional 2,000 people have been internally displaced in Arakan State's Gwa Township due to fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakkha Army (AA).

Aid workers say that as the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) increases, they need assistance such as food, medicine and clothing, and arrangements must be made to accommodate them.

"IDPs urgently need food supplies and medicine. Among the people currently fleeing are those who are on long-term medication and undergoing medical treatment. They urgently need medicine. In addition to medical treatment, they also need accommodation," said Ko Naing Aung Lin, in-charge of the IDP Assistance Team in Gwa Township.

At least 2,000 people from Kanthayar, Satthwar, Jaikauk and Peinhnegon villages were displaced by junta airstrikes and artillery attacks this month.

Many of the IDPs fled with only the clothes on their backs, and they face numerous challenges in the aftermath of the attacks.

"We faced financial difficulties [that prevented us from] fleeing the fighting in advance. We fled to safer locations without bringing anything. We are facing various difficulties," said an IDP woman.

Fighting in Gwa Township has displaced tens of thousands of people, with most urban residents fleeing to mainland Myanmar, while rural residents have largely taken refuge in AA-controlled areas.

As many as 680,000 people in Arakan State have been displaced by fighting from the February 2021 coup through the end of October, and many of those IDPs are in need of food and medicines.

International organisations are also finding it difficult to provide humanitarian assistance due to the regime's restrictions, further straining day-to-day life for the IDPs.

"International organisations are forced to follow the existing laws of a country, whether they like it or not. International organisations cannot enter the region directly to provide humanitarian assistance. This situation also affects IDPs. International organisations should somehow connect with powerful groups in the region and provide assistance," said an Arakanese politician.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has warned that 95 percent of the population in Arakan State could face famine next year, as the regime continues to prevent international aid agencies from providing assistance.