Residents of Dahletchaung Village and surrounding communities in Ann Township who were forced to flee amid fighting in 2024 said they are still unable to return home, citing ongoing security concerns and worsening livelihood conditions.
The mass displacement began after the junta launched heavy artillery attacks and airstrikes that hit residential areas during the conflict, driving villagers to seek safety elsewhere.
According to local sources, many internally displaced people (IDPs) are now staying in areas controlled by the Arakan Army (AA) close to their original homes, while others have moved to different parts of the country. Only a small number have returned so far.
“People have been fleeing since the fighting broke out. A few have gone back, but most are still displaced and staying away from home. They’re scared of airstrikes, and it’s also hard to make a living. A lot of houses are still locked up and empty,” said a woman from old Dahlet Village in Dahletchaung Village Tract.
The communities in Dahletchaung Village Tract largely depend on terrace farming and forest-related livelihoods, including timber and bamboo collection. However, displacement into remote locations has made access to basic services like education, transportation, and healthcare increasingly difficult.
The village tract consists of 38 villages and hamlets, including south Dahlet, old Dahlet, Alelkyun, west Dalet, and Dhalet Shankone. Its population is about 30 percent ethnic Arakan and 70 percent Chin.
Even for those who have returned, economic hardship remains a major obstacle. High commodity prices and limited job opportunities continue to strain daily life.
“Of course, home is home, but prices are much higher here now. Because the area is so remote, transportation costs are also very expensive. That’s why many people still aren’t coming back,” another local explained.
The situation has been further exacerbated by recent junta airstrikes targeting an AA detention facility holding prisoners of war (PoWs) in the Dahletchaung Village Tract, forcing some returnees to flee again.
Although Dahletchaung residents can travel to Ann Town and Kusukaing Village by land and water, many choose to go by boat to Kamthounggyi in Myebon Township, where they can more easily buy essential supplies such as rice, cooking oil, and salt.
