Around 1,000 villagers from over 200 households in Chin State’s Paletwa Township have fled to Paletwa town due to recent fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) near Abaungtha village and in the mountains outside of Kyetyetkaing village.

Nearly 1,000 villagers from Yemawa, Abaungtha, Kyetyetkaing, Namada and Tonemawa

villages have fled to Paletwa town as villagers are concerned about their physical wellbeing and possible food shortages because of the hostilities.

“Some families have fled to Paletwa town since the first week of this month. But large numbers of villagers have fled in the past few days. Almost all the villagers have fled from Abaungtha,” said U Kyaw Win from Sitepyoyay displacement camp in Paletwa.

Many of the internally displaced people (IDPs) are staying at monasteries or in the homes of relatives.

Abaungtha village was hit by nine artillery shells during the recent fighting, and some houses and buildings were damaged by at least four artillery shells that exploded. The five other shells did not explode, according to a resident of Abaungtha village who asked for anonymity.

“We are concerned that we might be killed if there are more artillery strikes. So, almost all the villagers have fled the village,” he said.

The displaced villagers will have difficulties in the long run taking shelter in Paletwa town, said U Zar Ni, who is helping IDPs in Paletwa.

“We already have 6,000 displaced people taking shelter in Paletwa. They don’t have enough food. Now more people have arrived in Paletwa, and more are likely to come to Paletwa. So, there won’t be enough shelters and food for them,” he warned.

Those 6,000 IDPs are sheltering at three displacement camps in Paletwa. The World Food Programme (WFP) had previously supplied 2,500 rice sacks monthly for them. But only 1,200 rice sacks were supplied this month, according to a displaced person.

“Our rations will be reduced this month. Previously, we received 54 cans of rice per person a month. But this month, rations will be reduced as only 1,200 rice sacks have been received, and we also need to share with newly arrived displaced people,” he said.

Locals in Paletwa, whether displaced or not, have been facing food shortages as the Myanmar military has imposed restrictions on cargo transportation by water of late.