Residents who lost homes during battle for Mrauk-U in need of aid

By Admin 26 Sep 2024

DMG Newsroom
26 September 2024, Mrauk-U

Local residents whose homes were reduced to ashes during the battle for control of Mrauk-U in January and February are currently taking shelter at their relatives' homes and are reportedly in need of cash assistance.

Junta artillery strikes and arson attacks destroyed at least 221 civilian homes in Mrauk-U, according to figures compiled by DMG.

Some 40 homes from Mrauk-U's Konthaetan, Shwetaung, Wahzay and Wathae wards were reduced to ashes by the junta shellings, while 181 homes from Baungdwat, Panphe, Aungmingalar and Myothit wards were burned to the ground in junta arson attacks, locals said.

"My home was reduced to ashes in the junta artillery attack. Being a disabled person, I struggled to build my home. It is not easy for me to rebuild a home," said Daw Khaing Hla Shwe, a local woman in Mrauk-U.

Eyewitness have accused junta soldiers from Mrauk-U-based Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 377 and 378 of torching scores of houses in the ancient Arakanese capital.

Residents who lost their homes are facing many difficulties due to the high prices of goods, and many are having to live temporarily with relatives, or have had to make other living arrangements that are costly and ultimately unsustainable.

"We live in a rented home. We are struggling to make ends meet. We struggle to earn K8,000 per day amid skyrocketing commodity prices," said U Maung Hla Myint, a resident of Konthaetan Ward.

His home was attached to a shop, and damages caused by the fire are estimated at K350 million.

Residents who lost their homes include vendors, fishermen, farmers and merchants.

"The regime torched our home," said Daw Oo May Thein, a local woman from Aungmingalar Ward. "When we returned home from the displacement camp, we saw a pile of ashes where our home was. We can't rebuild a new home as we make a living as fishermen. I want the international community to take action against the regime."

The Arakkha Army (AA) seized control of Mrauk-U on February 9. People who lost their homes have received some aid from local social organisations since the AA's seizure of Mrauk-U, but the vast majority still need assistance.

The Myanmar regime, which is facing the growing likelihood of total defeat in its war on the Arakan front, has appeared indifferent to the distinction between civilian and military targets as its territory shrinks, resulting in many civilian casualties and massive destruction of property. Critics say "indifferent" is a generous interpretation of what might otherwise be described as a campaign of terror waged against civilian populations in the warzone.