The number of IDP in Arakan State who have been by the fighting between the Tatmadaw and the AA has reached over 61,000, the Rakhine Ethnics Congress (REC) said.

The number of war refugees has increased in Minbya, Rathedaung and Buthidaung Townships, the largest number is in Minbya, the REC said.

“Because of the clashes near Kalama Taung village in Minbya Township, the number of IDPs and trapped villagers has significantly increased in Minbya Township,” said U Zaw Zaw Tun, secretary of the REC.

The presence of military columns in villages from Buthidaung and Rathedaung Townships made local residents concerned for their safety and they fled from homes, upping the number of IDPs in the regions, he added.

Author Maung Maung Soe, an observer of ethnic affairs, told media that military columns entered and checked villages with the suspicion that members of the AA are pretending to be villagers, and these checks prompted an increase in the number of IDPs in Arakan State.

The highest number of IDPs are in Mrauk-U and Rathedaung Townships, according to the figures of the REC.

Members of the REC have faced difficulties in compiling lists of IDPs due to the lack of the Internet access and security concerns.

“Our members are facing more difficulties collecting lists of IDPs on the ground. They are at risk of their safety because more confrontations occurred these days,” said U Zaw Zaw Tun.

The refugees from Sittwe, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Rathedaung, Buthidaung and Maungdaw Townships are now in dire need of food, health care service and education access.