Kyaing Hein Lin — Junta troops destroyed approximately 100 houses close to the police station in Set Yone Su Ward, also known as Narzi Village, in Sittwe Town, Arakan State, allegedly for security reasons.
A nearby resident stated that on November 10, the homes were entirely destroyed under the guise of safeguarding the Narzi Village police station.
"They commanded that the demolition of houses commence on November 8, stating that all structures must be entirely torn down by November 10. Approximately 100 homes were destroyed, and since no other housing options were offered, the displaced families are currently encountering significant challenges," the resident commented.
Residents reported that the demolitions were executed to secure the vicinity of the Narzi Village police station, which involved erecting fences, excavating trenches, and making defensive preparations.
Moreover, the homeowners whose properties were destroyed had to pay 50,000 kyat to the military authorities, and they were also obligated to surrender half of the timber and bamboo recovered from the demolitions to them, as reported by a local inhabitant.
"My home was destroyed, and I had to cover 50,000 kyats. I was required to provide half of the wood,” one resident mentioned.
A woman whose home was destroyed stated that many of the displaced individuals now lack housing and are attempting to find refuge in monasteries.
"We lack shelter, have no food, and our houses have been destroyed." “Currently, we reside in monasteries and encounter significant challenges,” she stated.
The junta had originally claimed that only around 60 homes close to the police station would be destroyed, yet almost 100 homes were taken down.
Worried about a potential attack by the Arakan Army (AA) on Sittwe, the junta has closed off Strand Road with fencing. Along with safeguarding military zones, the junta has bolstered protections at essential sites, such as the No. 2 Police Station, 12th Police Battalion, University of Computer Studies, the naval base near Strand Road, and the 36th Police Battalion located in Bumay Ward behind the university.
Multiple guard posts have been set up by the 36th Police Battalion near Sittwe Airport, as the junta troops are also getting ready to enclose the Narzi Village police station.
