Residents of Mrauk-U, Arakan State, are concerned for their safety after the sound of gunfire could be heard across the ancient city on Sunday evening.

Police and military personnel conducted patrols and individual checks on people in Mrauk-U during the afternoon of April 26, with gunfire heard coming from the Daikyi, Maheinkyi and Taung Rap wards of the city in the evening, said Ko Khaing Min Shin, a resident of Mrauk-U.

“Residents were concerned for their safety and hiding under their houses because they experienced gunfire in the city,” he said.

U Tun Ni Win, secretary of the Arakan National Party in Mrauk-U Township, told DMG that the gunfire jeopardised both the lives of residents and the city’s ancient cultural heritage.

“The gunfire was heard in the city although there was no clash between them [the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army]. Some residents were killed after artillery shells landed on houses previously. So, we are concerned for our safety when gunfire is heard in the city,” he said.

“Who would take responsibility if a resident was hit by gunfire? Someone’s life should not be valued with compensation,” he added.

Since December 2018, fighting between the Arakan Army and the Tatmadaw has resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties. There are currently over 150,000 people displaced due to the conflict, with an escalation in hostilities reported in recent months.

Photo: Chan Aye (C&T Design and Editing)