Over 60 houses in Kyaukphyu destroyed by fire

A massive fire erupted in Pike Seik, Pyin Phyu Maw ward of Kyaukphyu township of Rakhine State in the afternoon hours of Wednesday resulting in the destruction of over 60 houses

said local residents.

The fire broke out as the families were fleeing the conflict after the junta forces ordered the removal of Pike Seik claiming those as squatter huts.

"At around 1:30 pm, the fire broke out leaving only three houses intact. During the period no one was present there. We still don't know the reason behind it," said a local resident after visiting the scene.

A Kyaukphyu  resident stated that most of the homeowners in Pike Seik fled to the villages due to fear of potential clashes.

The houses in Pike Seik are squatter huts and they are being forcibly removed by the junta soldiers. Some soldiers are now stationed near Pyin Phyu Maw ward.

Another resident revealed that the  homeowners are no longer living in Pike Seik. They came  from nearby villages and were engaged in fishing activities. As the  battles unfolded in Kyaukphyu locality, the homeowners fled their places.

The junta forces reportedly came and threatened the people in Pike Seik on 18 and 19 March just before the fire incident took place.

"It is understood that the soldiers instructed them to vacate the place by 18 March. They reiterated the same next day too. Now, many believe that the soldiers were responsible for the fire," he added.

A resident who visited the scene said  that many fishing nets, ice boxes and houses in Pike Seik were destroyed by the fire.

Narinjara News is still trying to contact Kyaukphyu fire station officers to verify the details.

On 18 February, the soldiers burned down six houses near  Thit Pote Taung junction, located near  Dhanyawadi naval base in Kyaukphyu township and detained the owners of these houses.