Hnin Nwe Ni, Narinjara News, 10 May 2024

The residents of Sittwe, capital of Rakhine State, arecurrently facing livelihood difficulties without differences if they fled theconflict or stayed in the township.

A woman who fled to Pauktaw township due to fear offighting in Sittwe said that they left their place on 20 February and now facefinancial crisis.

“Staying with relatives, I've had to search for foodstuff in the mountains. I can't even afford a cup of tea. When I asked my sonfor money, he himself was struggling. I don't know when the war will be overand  I can return home,” she added.

Many Sittwe residents left their residences andbusiness units to stay in Yangon or liberated Rakhine areas like Pauktaw,Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U and Minbya.

"I came to Yangon as there wasn't a clear way toescape. As time passed, I ran out of money. Some are staying with others, whilesome are renting houses. I left Sittwe due to the reports of potentialconflicts. Now livelihoods become difficult for us. I find it difficult todecide whether to return home or stay here," said another woman.

Due to financial constraints, many families remain inSittwe. Currently the capital has a lesser number of residents and Sittwe looks like a deserted place.

"Even though there's no war, Sittwe  becomesdeserted. A night time silence is observed everywhere in the capital,” said aresident.

He added that those who remain in Sittwe also face hardships due to lack of jobs. Moreover the price rises of essentialcommodities have made their life miserable.

"Both those who fled and those who remain facelivelihood difficulties. The current situation feels like a war but without anybattle,” he added.

Meanwhile, many abandoned houses  in Sittwe weredemolished and even sold by the junta forces. The residents inform thatessential items like rice, oil, salt, charcoal, electric fans, refrigerators,bicycles, motorcycles, etc are being stolen by miscreants.

Those residents, who did not flee Sittwe, faceartillery shell firing by junta battalions and  navy personnel using jet planes, helicopters and drones. Moreover, the junta soldiers continuenight patrolling by military vehicles.