Tun Khaing — Ms Wendy Fleury, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Sittwe office, has been urged by Rakhine State Parliament speaker U San Kyaw Hla to assist in the process of Rakhine refugees’ comfortable return to their villages.

Rakhine State Hluttaw vice-speaker U Mya Than informed that the ICRC chief was requested in a meeting with U San Kyaw Hla on yesterday afternoon.

Besides U San Kyaw Hla and U Mya Than, Pyithu Hluttaw member Daw Khin Saw Wai from Rathedaung township was also present on the occasion.

“Refugees now start returning their homes, as the situation turns peaceful. Many houses were destroyed and they will need new accommodations once they return to their villages. Presently, they are in need of food items and adequate drinking water,” he added.

Ms Wendy Fleury stated that the ICRC office in Sittwe would review the situation and submit its report to the country head office in Yangon suggesting necessary supports.

“During the meeting, the ICRC head explained about the support to the refugees. She also expressed her sorrow with the shooting down of a motorboat heading Rathedaung Township last month,” he narrated.

Meanwhile, the Rakhine speaker thanked the ICRC for all assistances to the refugees and urged to continue the mission. The ICRC is now understood to provide medical care to the returnees.

Currently, there is no incident of fighting in Rakhine State and according to the Rakhine Nationalities Congress (REC); over 60,000 refugees had already returned homes.

(Photo by U San Myat Shwe)