The ongoing clashes between the Tatmadaw and the AA in northern Arakan State has forced local residents from their homes and increased the number of people taking refuge in the capital Sittwe.

Currently, about 80 people from Shwe Laung Tin village in Rathedaung Township have arrived at Ohn Yay Phaw village in Sittwe Township.

They heard the sound of artillery fire near their village and fled from their homes.

“We are worried that we will face the same fate as other villagers. So, we left our homes,” said U Than Win from Shwe Laung Tin village.

There are now four IDP camps in Sittwe Township and refugees are from nearby townships.

Since people have to flee from the conflict area, students cannot go to school.

“We ran from our village because we heard the sound of gunfire near the village. We are afraid of being tortured,” said Maung Kyaw San Lin, 9, from Shwe Laung Tin village.

The number of IDPs has reached nearly 60,000 during eight months of fighting between the Tatmadaw and the AA and about 300 IDPs are in Sittwe Township now.