Myanmar’s military regime has told around 1,000 displaced people from Arakan State taking refuge in Chaungtha and neighbouring Shwe Thaung Yan towns in Ayeyarwady Region’s Pathein District to relocate within one week.
The internally displaced people (IDPs) are from Gwa and Thandwe townships in Arakan State. They are staying in rented houses or with relatives, or in makeshift huts in coconut groves.
The junta-appointed Ayeyarwady Region chief minister ordered IDPs on Saturday to relocate within one week, citing concerns over possible pollution in Chaungtha’s hotel zone and nuisance to vacationers. The beach resort town is one of the top travel destinations in Myanmar.
A displaced Gwa resident in Shwe Thaung Yan said: “Junta officials said all the IDPs must leave from where they are staying, and that it was according to a decision reached at a meeting. We were told to relocate to Pyapon by ourselves. It is not easy for IDPs to move from one place to another again and again.”
Some IDPs have moved to other parts of Ayeyarwady and Yangon regions following pressure from the junta, but most remain as they cannot afford the relocation costs.
“Even if we move elsewhere, we may still face pressures from the regime,” said another displaced Gwa resident. “Most of us here are fishermen. When we were in Gwa, we couldn’t do anything because fishing was banned. Now, we’re just trying to find work here. Initially, we fished, but later, they banned fishing. We are facing many difficulties.”
Meanwhile, the IDPs receive no humanitarian assistance at all and are struggling to feed their families due to high food prices.
The military regime also carries out checks on households targeting people holding Arakan State ID cards, said an IDP taking refuge in Ayeyarwady Region.
“Previously, household inspections were done by a maximum of five people including local administrators and police. Now, around 20 including junta soldiers are involved. They even conduct checks at midnight. We are very worried about our security,” he said.
Fierce fighting continues in Arakan State as the Arakkha Army (AA) continues its offensive to capture the remaining towns held by the regime. Many residents have fled Arakan State for safer locations including Yangon and Ayeyarwady regions.
