Propaganda leaflets distributed by junta in Rakhine IDP camps

The junta authority is reportedly distributing propaganda leaflets (pamphlets) in various IDP camps in Rakhine State to motivate the refugees to return back to their villages.

"Some people came to the camp and distributed the leaflets. I did not meet them but I could read a leaflet which was found in my grandmother's room. Similar leaflets were distributed in earlier occasions too,” said a refugee in Mrauk U camp.

Those leaflets are understandably distributed by the military council's national committee on resettlement of internally displaced persons and closure of temporary refugee camps.

The committee emphasizes on closing down all temporary refugee camps after ensuring the safety of displaced families and finally resettling them in a dignified manner.

The socio-economic development after achieving peace and progress is also emphasized as it’s essential for the national unity, democracy and federalism of Myanmar. The pamphlets urge the refugees to live peacefully among their communities.

But when the military authorities are insisting on the return of refugees to their places, they are raising various concerns with their return.

Most of the refugees are not interested to return home as they apprehend another round of gun fighting between the junta soldiers and Arakan Army members. Moreover, they are scared of mines and remnants of war in their localities, which are yet to be removed.

Soon after the military council and AA leaders agreed for a ceasefire in November 2022, several IDPs were forced to return to their places under the townships of Ponna Kyunt, Mrauk U, Kyauk Taw and Maebon with very minimal support.

According to the junta reports,  25,474 households (comprising 109952 people) were repatriated to their places in Kachin, Karen, Rakhine, Shan and Chin States from March 2021 to June 2023.

Various civil society organizations reveal that there are over 60,000 IDPs in the Rakhine townships of Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Mrauk U and Kyauk U, where the refugees show their reluctance to return home without a planned procedure by the authorities.