IDP returns remain a patchwork in Arakan State

By DMG 08 Mar 2022

DMG Newsroom
8 March 2022, Sittwe 

The Arakan State Administration Council says internally displaced people (IDPs) who fled past armed conflict in the region can return to their homes if they wish to do so, with some notable exceptions.  

U Hla Thein, a spokesman for the Arakan State Administration Council, told reporters in Sittwe on March 8 that it was not currently possible for residents of some villages such as Tinma in Kyauktaw Township, and Aung Thazi, Htee Swel and Kyauktan in Rathedaung Township, to return home due to the close proximity of both Myanmar military and Arakan Army (AA) forces. 

“There is no formal peace agreement between the Tatmadaw [Myanmar military] and the Arakan Army. If something happens due to a tense situation between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, it is important for the safety of the people; the IDPs will not be able to return home,” he said. 

The Tinma villagers, who were forced to flee after several houses there were set on fire, have been trying to return home since April 2021. They have written to the chairman of the State Administration Council seeking approval for their return, but have not yet been permitted to do so. 

“We no longer want to live in IDP camps,” said U Saw Thein, a resident of Tinma village.  

“We live as displaced people, losing both our social and our economic well-being,” he added. “The future is lost because young people are not getting educated. I’m sorry we did not get home as other people have been allowed to go home. We want the Myanmar military and Arakan Army to negotiate so that we can return.” 

The Myanmar military and Arakan Army reached an informal ceasefire agreement in November 2020, after two years of deadly and devastating conflict in Arakan State. Tens of thousands of IDPs have gone back to their homes since the peace deal was reached, but there are still about 80,000 who have not been able to return for various reasons. 

The military regime is making arrangements for the return of some IDPs, and providing K500,000 and one month’s food rations to each eligible family. There are more than 1,000 displaced people who have returned to their homes under the auspices of the State Administration Council (SAC), and more are registered to return, according to the Arakan State military council. 

U Aung Hla Shwe, an IDP from the Wah Taung camp in Kyauktaw Township, said he wanted to return home but was worried about the consequences. 

“Our village is located in a remote area,” he explained. “When we return home, can we get help with health and education? Will we be able to travel freely when we get to our village? And can the political situation continue like this? If the fighting were to resume, we would not want to run away again.” 

The Arakan State Administration Council has said it will not forcibly relocate or return IDPs, many of whom have expressed concerns about the presence of landmines and explosive remnants of war in and around their home villages. The military has made pledges to clear landmines ahead of IDP returns. 

At the height of the 2018-2020 conflict between the military and Arakan Army, more than 230,000 IDPs had fled their homes due to clashes in Arakan State, in many cases leaving behind livelihoods, education opportunities, healthcare access and property.