Some IDP returnees in Arakan State yet to receive cash assistance from junta

By Admin 24 Apr 2023

DMG Newsroom
24 April 2023, Sittwe

Some internally displaced people (IDPs) uprooted by fighting between the military and Arakan Army (AA) were recently forced to return home by the regime, which pledged to provide them with cash relocation assistance that has yet to materialise.

The military, General Administration Department and Department of Disaster Management gave IDPs cash stipends ranging from K500,000 to K600,000 per household and food supplies for one month, telling them to return to their homes as peace and stability had ostensibly been restored. But some IDP returnees have yet to receive the cash assistance from the regime.

“We are on the list to be returned home, but we are not on the list for financial support from the regime. I also want to receive financial support like other people. We are struggling to make ends meet,” said U Maung Than Nu, an IDP returnee from Pharpyo Village in Minbya Township.

The military regime has forced IDPs to return to their homes without clearing landmines, critics say, following an informal ceasefire reached with the AA in late November.

Many IDP returnees face landmine risks and livelihood hardships made more difficult by the lack of stipends from the regime.

“The township General Administration Department told us that we were not on the list. Twelve households from our displacement camp submitted their names on a list to the GAD to return home. Of the 12 households, five households didn’t receive cash assistance,” said Daw Hla Thein, an IDP returnee from Mahamuni displacement camp in Kyauktaw Township.

DMG was unable to obtain comment from Arakan State military council spokesman U Hla Thein regarding the matter.

The number of IDPs who had been sheltering at various displacement camps in Arakan State and neighbouring Chin State, and have returned home since the military and Arakan Army observed their informal ceasefire on November 26, has reached about 7,000.

Many IDPs find themselves in a difficult position, facing dwindling aid in the camps and bleak prospects at their places of origin.

“7,000 kyats is not enough for us to solve our daily livelihood hardships at the displacement camp. We have submitted our names to be included on the list [to return home]. We are worried about our safety as the military doesn’t clear landmines and some IDP returnees do not receive cash assistance,” said Daw Aye Saw Nyunt, an IDP from Tin Nyo IDP camp in Mrauk-U Township.

Currently, there are about 100 IDPs registered with the military regime to return home due to food shortages in the Tin Nyo displacement camp.

Criticism that the regime is forcing IDPs back home without taking responsibility for their wellbeing is not difficult to find inside or outside of the displacement camps.

“I think all IDPs want to return home. All IDPs will return home only if the military clears landmines. I think that the regime lacks responsibility and accountability regarding the return of IDPs,” said Ko Ann Thar Gyee, a social activist who assists IDPs.