Rakhine refugees flee conflict
Yangon - More than 250 villagers fled their homes in Rakhine State due to ongoing clashes between government forces and ethnic rebels.
The clashes between the government troops and Arakan Army started on December 27, forcing the villagers to flee to other villages in Mrauk-U and Kyauktaw townships.
“We heard gunshots in our villages. That’s why we fled our homes. There are about 15 houses in our village and we all fled. No one has been forced to serve as porters yet but we fear being conscripted. Our village isn’t officially recognised by the government. We live off the land. Now we are receiving help from the villagers and organisations here. I fled to with my wife and children,” said Shwe Than from a village named Thantadar.
More than 50 households from Thantadar and Baree in Kyauktaw fled to Mrauk-U, with more still arriving.
“They’re from Baree and now taking shelter in Zaytitaung village. About 76 of them arrived. They say they fled because of the clashes and will return after they end. We’re providing help for them,” said Than Win from Zaytitaung.
Monasteries and villagers are sheltering the refugees.
About 400 protesters took to the streets on January 7 in Mrauk-U demonstrating against the country’s civil war.
“We want the country’s civil war to end completely. There had been no armed conflict in Rakhine State for about 30 years. Now clashes have broken out. We don’t want it. That’s why we arranged the protest,” said Kyaw Tun Oo, a demonstration leader.
Another protest is planned for January 10.
