Fear of Renewed Conflict in Rakhine State Prompts Some Locals to Flee

 The Military Council is actively replenishing manpower, stockpiling weapons and ammunition,and intensifying military operations, causing residents fearing fresh hostilities, to flee Rakhine State.

A woman residing in Pyeintaw village in Rathedaung Township expressed her increased anxiety over the possible resumption of warfare.

She told Narinjara, "Junta soldiers are frequently spotted in Angumaw lately. Of course we are scared. We worry about the return of more fighting, something that has already affected our lives significantly. Now we are contemplating finding a safe haven in case we need to escape, as we fear the potential for renewed conflict”.

Locals have observed an increasing number of Navy vessels belonging to the Military Council in recent days, sailing along the Kaladan River, moving from Sittwe to Ratheduang.

A local resident expressed that, given the apprehension surrounding the Military Council's activities, some individuals residing in rural areas are contemplating relocating to safer urban areas as a precaution against the possibility of renewed conflict.

"As far as I know, almost everyone in Yokethar village has already left. People from other villages are also making plans to evacuate in anticipation , reaching out to contacts in towns. It's better to act proactively before things get worse”, he suggested.

In Kyauktaw Township, starting from November, the Military Council's food convoys have become more active, and residents report observing vessels carrying food along the waterway as well.

Meanwhile in Rathedaung, local sources informed Narinjara that the Arakan Army (AA) has advised residents to prepare in advance by digging bomb shelter pits.

"AA is warning that households failing to dig bomb shelter pits, will face fines. It makes sense that they are pushing for mandatory pit digging, as not doing so could lead to life-threatening situations down the line. However, they should also consider that some people may not be able to afford the fines”, a local said.

In northern Shan State, the Three Brotherhood Alliance, including AA, has initiated a potent and forceful offensive named 'Operation 1027' against the Military Council. As a result local residents are concerned that the relatively calm situation between AA and the Military Council in Rakhine State may once again escalate into fierce clashes.

"In Munaung, it's clear that the Military Council is attempting to gather information from people moving in and out of the town.They have also intensified surveillance and monitoring, not only of activists, but of regular civilians as well”, a Munaung resident noted.

In Sittwe, Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Maungdaw, and Munaung townships in Rakhine State, there has been a notable surge in the Military Council's operational activities in recent times, and local sources report that activists are facing heightened surveillance and monitoring.

In August 2022, fierce clashes between the AA and the Military Council resumed in Rakhine State. Nevertheless, an informal ceasefire agreement was established on November 26th, 2022, and up till now the ceasefire is still in effect. Based on information gathered by Narinjara, 46 civilians lost their lives, while 89 were injured, and 9 houses were destroyed by arson attacks in Rakhine State during the four-month period of fighting between AA and the Military Council from August to November 2022.