Residents look to rebuild Ramree 

By Admin 21 Jun 2024

DMG Newsroom
21 June 2024, Ramree

Residents have begun working to rebuild Ramree Township in Arakan State after the battle for control of the township was won by the Arakkha Army (AA).

The town was badly damaged by junta airstrikes and artillery bombardments during the fighting, which lasted for nearly three months.

Many houses, markets, healthcare facilities, schools and heritage buildings were destroyed or damaged during the hostilities.

The AA launched attacks on Ramree on December 18, and seized total control of the town on March 11. Residents, however, still cannot return home as the regime continues bombing raids and naval artillery strikes on the town.

Buddhist monks, business owners, young people and charities have joined hands to rebuild the town, said residents.

“People will suffer more if we do nothing because of the fighting. We must start reconstruction during the war,” said a resident who fled Ramree during the fighting.

During an AA’s press conference on June 8, the armed group’s spokesman U Khaung Thukha said the AA had drawn up plans for administration, law enforcement and regional development in areas it had liberated from junta control.

The AA has seized control of nine townships in Arakan State and Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State. It appears on the verge of seizing Maungdaw town, and has also been attacking junta positions in Kyaukphyu, Thandwe, Ann and Taungup townships.