Apprehending conflicts spreading from northern Myanmar, Rakhine locals prepare bomb shelters

The residents of Rakhine State in western Myanmar have been preparing bomb pits for their shelters in residential areas as they apprehend gun fighting between the junta forces and Arakan Army (AA) members once again in their localities.

Mentionable is that the AA along with Ta'an National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) attacked the military council forces in northern Shan, Kachin States and Sagaing division, where the fighting is going on under Operation 1027.

As the AA is involved with the armed operation, a resident of Ponna Kyunt township informed that the rural people in Rakhine State were scared of another round of battles and so they are preparing bomb shelters to protect their families in the time of conflicts.

"Bomb pits were discussed a few months back. Following the northern Shan fighting and we are scared now. The conflicts may return again to our areas. So the villagers have prepared their shelters with bags of land & rocks,” he added.

Another local of Kyauk Taw township informed that many villagers have shifted to other areas (thinking to be safe) with their belongings. Some are digging bomb pits in their premises, he added.

Political analysts predict that the war in Rakhine localities will be intense this time and hence there is nothing wrong for the residents to prepare for the bad days.

Currently, the AA and the junta forces are enjoying a humanitarian ceasefire, implemented since November 2022.

But the junta authorities have been increasing the military strength along with more supplies of food items for them in Rakhine State.  Moreover, they are conducting test firing of large weapons and many roads & waterways were put under restriction for common people. Because of the restrictions in the last few weeks, some patients even died on their way to the hospitals.