Junta searches IDP camp in Mrauk-U Twsp

By DMG 25 Oct 2022

DMG Newsroom
25 October 2022, Mrauk-U

Junta troops searched the Mya Tazaung camp for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Arakan State’s Mrauk-U Township on Tuesday morning.

Some 10 junta soldiers arrived at the camp in a military vehicle at around 7 a.m., and asked about the abbot of Mya Tazaung Monastery, according to an IDP from the camp.

“They asked if the Mya Tazaung Sayadaw was present,” she said. “We said he wasn’t, and that we didn’t know where he was. They asked no further questions. They looked around houses and toilets, and took photos. Then, they asked if they could stay at the shelters left vacant by IDPs who have returned to their homes.”

Junta troops stayed at the camp for around three hours before departing, according to IDPs.

“We don’t know why they came, and they said nothing. But their sudden appearance frightened the IDPs at the camp,” said another displaced person, Ma Htay Htay.

Due to few donations of supplies, IDPs at the camp have been forced to do casual jobs in the town including driving motorbike taxis.

Male IDPs fled the camp after the junta soldiers showed up at the camp, said a male IDP.

“We are having hardships as there are fewer donors. So I drive a motorbike taxi to make ends meet. All the male IDPs fled upon seeing them entering the camp. They should not search IDP camps,” he said.

There are 282 houses at the camp, where more than 1,000 people are currently taking shelter.