Misinformation rife in Arakan State amid communications blackout

By Admin 16 Oct 2024

DMG Newsroom
16 October 2024, Sittwe

Misinformation has become a cause for public concern in Arakan State after phone and internet services were recently cut off in the war-ravaged state.

The communications blackout was reported on Sunday and persists across Arakan State. Hearsay about supposed junta airstrikes and clashes has since given birth to misinformation, according to residents.

“It is a worrying situation that we don’t have access to correct information during the war,” said a resident of Kyauktaw Township. “There has been more misinformation as information is passed by word of mouth. Lately, there were rumours that people were killed in an air raid in Kansauk [Village] in Kyauktaw Township, but it didn’t happen.”

All 17 townships in Arakan State were hit by communications disruptions of varying degrees, including complete blackouts in many townships, after fighting between the regime and Arakkha Army (AA) broke out anew in November of last year. But some places, especially towns controlled by the junta, still had access to phone and internet services with slower connections until Sunday.

People have since lost access to real-time information about the fighting and the junta’s aerial attacks, and have difficulty reporting to others about what is happening in their areas.

Ko Moe Htet Nay, political and research advisor for Nyan Lynn Thit Analytica, told DMG that residents in Arakan State townships where the regime and the AA are fighting are particularly at risk.

“Without access to communications, people don’t have information about possible air attacks in advance. So, they don’t have enough time to hide in case of an air attack. This can result in greater civilian casualties,” he said.

Rumours that the junta has planned air and ground attacks on all AA-controlled towns have flooded Arakan State since the communications blackout went into effect on Sunday.

The regime has cut off phone and internet services to impose a news blackout about its targeted attacks on civilians, human rights activists say.

Arakan State resident humanitarian Ko Wai Hin Aung wrote on his Facebook: “Rumours are being spread to instil fear in people once phone and internet services are cut off.”

Meanwhile, mobile money agents have been forced to halt their operations since Sunday, further worsening cash shortages in a state where many families survive on remittances.

The AA has been fighting for control of the entirety of Arakan State, and has seized 10 of 17 townships since launching an offensive against the regime in November of last year.