Communications cut off across Arakan State

By Admin 14 Oct 2024

DMG Newsroom
14 October 2024, Sittwe

Phone and internet services have been completely cut off in war-ravaged Arakan State since Sunday, according to residents.

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. However, some places still had access to phone and internet services with slower connections until Sunday.

One Arakanese migrant in Yangon said: "We have lost contact with all the towns in Arakan State. Phone and internet services have been completely cut off since yesterday."

Phone and internet services have also been cut off in Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, Taungup, Manaung and Gwa townships, which are still controlled by the regime.

Charity workers said the loss of access to communications would negatively affect civilians displaced by the fighting.

"We have lost contact with the internally displaced people (IDPs), which will slow down our humanitarian operations. They will not get the assistance when they need it," said a volunteer helping displaced people.

The cutting off of communications has come as another blow to Arakan State residents who have been suffering badly from junta blockades of land and water routes into the state for nearly a year.

"The regime has been conducting air raids daily. We can't know about them in real time [due to the communications blackout]. Misinformation and rumours will also be rife as a result," said a social activist from Arakan State.