Number of IDPs in Myebon over 1000

22 Jul 2019

Myebon Township is one of the eight townships the government cut off the Internet access. The armed conflict between the Tatmadaw and the AA broke out on 19 July was the first clash in the Township.

Win Nyunt | DMG

22 July, Sittwe

A clash broke out near Pauk Tu Taung village in Myebon Township on Friday, Tatmadaw troops arrived in nearby villages which made local residents anxious so they fled from their homes.

About 1200 villagers from Pauk Tu Taung, Yay Khaung Chain, Kyay Daw, Set Khway and other villages arrived at Kan Htaung Gyi town beginning 20 July. They are now taking shelter in a monastery in the town. Other villagers are taking refuge in their relatives’ and families’ homes in other villages.

“We never experienced a war. When we saw a troop of soldiers, we were afraid and fled from home. Some villagers are staying in the village, just watching the situation. We heard the sound of gunfire at night and were afraid of artillery fire so we left our homes,” said an IDP from Pauk Tu Taung village.

Women, children and students are the majority of IDPs, and students cannot go to school at the moment.

“We have not arranged for students to access education. We will inform the proper education department later. I thought it was no problem for students because schools from Kan Htaung Gyi town have vacancies,” said Ko Aung Win Myint, a relief worker for IDPs.

Local people from the town have provided relief aid for IDPs. The ongoing armed conflict in Arakan State forced more than 50,000 people from their homes and they are now in desperate need of food, health care and education.

An intensive clash broke out near Tote Kaing village, north of Pauk Tu Taung village, on 19 July. The AA launched 107 mm rockets at two Navy vessels; one of the boats was hit.  The Navy Force returned fire, at least two shells landed in Pauk Tu Taung village, local residents said.

A Tatmadaw troop with about 150 soldiers entered Pauk Tu Taung village the following day and have taken up a position at the village school and near the village, so villagers have been displaced since the evening of 20 July, according to Pauk Tu Taung villagers.