Kaman IDPs in Rakhine State told to form pro-junta militia

More than a decade after they were made homeless by anti-Muslim riots in Rakhine State, ethnic Kamans living in camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kyaukphyu say they are being forced to form pro-regime militias “for their own protection.” According to one person familiar with the situation, military officials visited a Kaman IDP camp in Kyaukphyu on Sunday and summoned leaders to discuss the move. “They told us to give them a list of men aged between 18 and 55,” said the source, who asked not to be identified. “They said it was to protect our own region, but so far, nobody wants to join.” Hla Tun, a 32-year-old camp resident who was displaced by a wave of communal violence that hit Rakhine State in 2012, said that news of the junta’s plan has raised fears among the IDPs. “We’re terrified because there is a war going on right now, and we’re stuck in the middle of it,” said the father of three, referring to the ongoing conflict between the junta and the Arakan Army (AA) for control of the state. Having suffered heavy losses both here and in northern Shan State since the start of an anti-junta offensive by the AA and its allies late last year, the regime has moved to bolster its forces, both through conscription and by forming militias. For Hla Tun and other Kaman IDPs, being forced to join the fight means they could become targets once again. “In 2012, we were caught in the middle of communal violence. Now that one group is giving us pressure, we fear that another group will do something against us,” he said. “It’s like we’re walking on the edge of a knife.” Women living in the camp say they are also worried that the junta’s demand will add to their already considerable hardships, as they try to survive on a small stipend of 30,000 kyat (US$14) a month per person from the World Food Programme now that regular rations of beans, cooking oil, and rice have been suspended. “This is another blow to our daily struggle to get two meals a day,” said Hla Kyu, 47, whose 22-year-old son was one of 163 men whose names were on the list given to the regime. Most of the Kaman living in the camp cannot leave because they have not been issued ID cards proving that they are Myanmar nationals. Hla Tun said this issue was raised during the meeting with regime authorities on Sunday. “We told them we could not be enlisted because we are not citizens yet, but they told us they will only consider our citizenship application if we serve in the military,” he said. “They also threatened to throw us in jail for five years if we don’t serve in the military. Some are thinking that might be the better option under the circumstances,” he added. While some incentives were also offered—such as a salary for those who agreed to guard military outposts alongside regular forces—it was clear that for most, they had no choice in the matter. After two weeks of training, they will be called up for military service, whether they want to join or not. “We’re in deep trouble and have no way to get out of it,” said Hla Tun, adding that many camp residents are already unable to sleep at night because they’re afraid the military will drag them off to the frontlines to be used as porters. There have also been reports that Rohingya IDPs in Sittwe—who, like the Kaman, were displaced by violence in 2012—are facing similar pressure to provide support for the military. Tun Maung, a Rohingya man who until recently lived in a Sittwe IDP camp, said that during a recent visit, junta authorities told residents that they had a duty to defend the country. “They said we must serve in the military because we are living in this country,” he said. Meanwhile, the AA released a statement on Tuesday inviting anyone seeking to avoid conscription to take shelter in territory under their control. “Areas now controlled by the AA will be safest for the people, so instead of going to bigger cities like Yangon controlled by the junta, we urge you to come and take shelter in villages and towns controlled by us,” said the group. It was unclear if the offer extended to Kaman or Rohingya IDPs in Rakhine State.

Kaman IDPs in Rakhine State told to form pro-junta militia

Residents of a camp in Kyaukphyu say they were told they wouldn’t be recognised as citizens of Myanmar if they didn’t join

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