Myanmar junta tightens security as Rakhine civilians flee to Ayeyarwady Region

Residents of Rakhine State’s southernmost Gwa Township say they are facing tight security as they flee to neighbouring Ayeyarwady Region to escape clashes between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army (AA). Fighting in the township began on August 10, when the AA, which already controls nearly all of Thandwe Township to the north, began attacking a junta stronghold near Kyeintali, a town located about halfway between the two townships’ administrative centres. As the clashes escalated, many residents of the area began fleeing to towns just across the border, including Ngathaingchaung, Yegyi, Ahthoke, and Kyonpyaw, while others have travelled as far away as Pathein, Hinthada, and Thabaung. However, Gwa residents say they are now required to present official letters issued by the junta-controlled General Administration Department before they enter Ayeyarwady Region, and must register as overnight guests once they get there. According to a man currently sheltering in a town just across the border, many who have left are struggling to find a suitable place to stay. “Yegyi is their primary choice, because it’s just two hours away by motorcycle, so they can easily go back and check on their homes. But because of a lack of rental options, some have moved on to Kyonpyaw or Pathein,” he said. Another man who spoke to Myanmar Now said that rents have doubled in Yegyi and Ngathaingchaung since the crisis began. He added that those who do find a place to stay are kept under close watch by the local authorities. The increased security measures, which are aimed at suspected AA sympathisers, include checkpoints along the road to Ayeyarwady Region. Residents reported passing through at least four, each manned with around 20 junta troops. “They don’t check you so much if you are travelling by motorcycle, but cars with many people and a lot of luggage in them are thoroughly inspected,” said one man who made the trip. Due to the AA’s strong support among the ethnic Rakhine population, anyone belonging to the ethnic group is regarded with suspicion, according to a resident of Ayeyarwady’s Pyapon Township, where some have sought shelter. In one village, he said, even relatives of a respected Buddhist abbot were turned away by local authorities because of their Rakhine origins. “The general administrator wouldn’t let them stay, despite the abbot’s assurances that they would be accommodated at his monastery,” he added, declining to identify the village in question. Pro-junta Telegram channels have added to the tensions, with some calling for tighter scrutiny of displaced Rakhine people and investigations into their possible AA connections. But not everyone is reacting to the sudden influx with alarm. “They aren’t bringing the war with them,” said a resident of Hinthada, referring to the Rakhine newcomers who have begun arriving in the town in recent weeks. “There’s fighting everywhere in the country right now, so there’s no point in being afraid. We’re all in this together,” he added, noting that the increased presence of plainclothes junta forces in the town was a greater source of concern for many. Compared to other parts of the country, Ayeyarwady has been relatively free of conflict since the military seized power more than three years ago. Until recently, even the southern part of Rakhine State was largely untouched by the fighting. In early April, however, the AA began launching attacks in Thandwe and Taungup townships as part of its stated goal of forcing the junta out of the state completely. By July, the group had taken control of much of Thandwe, including its airport and famous Ngapali beach resort area. Currently, it is focusing its efforts on the Maung Shwe Lay naval base, a key position for capturing the entire township. Since ending its ceasefire with Myanmar’s military in November of last year, the AA has taken full control of Rakhine State’s Myebon, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, and Ramree townships, as well as Paletwa Township in southern Chin State. The junta still holds the state capital, Sittwe, as well as Taungup, Kyaukphyu, and Munaung townships, but is facing severe challenges in other parts of the state. The AA has blockaded the entire town of Ann, which lies between Sittwe and Kyaukphyu, and has been engaged in fierce clashes for control of Maungdaw, on Rakhine State’s border with Bangladesh, where it has been accused of attacks on ethnic Rohingya Muslims.

Myanmar junta tightens security as Rakhine civilians flee to Ayeyarwady Region

Ethnic Rakhine people are being subjected to special restrictions due to the regime’s suspicions about their political sympathies

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