CNI News
26 December , 2023
The people in Rakhine State were suffering from roadblocks and heavy weapons more than from the battles, U Thar Tun Hla, chairman of the Arakan National Party (ANP), told CNI News.
After the battles between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army resumed on 13th November 2023, roads and waterways have been closed.
" Rather than the battles are breaking out, because the roads and waterways have been closed by the Tatmadaw, foodstuffs are sharply going up. So, the entire people in Rakhine State are suffering from a food crisis. As not only battle ground areas but also other townships have been closed, it's the problem that the entire people in the state are experiencing. Moreover, houses and shops were burned due to the explosion of shells fired by heavy weapons when there were not any battles. So, Rakhine people are also suffering from fire damage due to the explosion of shells fired by heavy weapons" said U Thar Tun Hla.
The Mrauk U Museum where has housed ancient heritage items was damaged due to the explosion of shells fired by heavy weapons on 25th December 2023 and cultural sites that are non-military targets should be avoided, he said.
While seeing Rakhine locals
If the battles could not be stopped, it could be like a situation after the Second World War for the people. There could not be good results for the future, said a Sittwe resident.
" If the battles cannot be stopped, the people will suffer like a situation after the Second World War. If the battles are breaking out for long, the public will get into trouble more. If the battles take long, Rakhine people can be tamed by fighting and become people who are not afraid of war. Although there were no battles urban areas in the past, the people had to suffer the civil war for almost 70 years. In the same way, if the urban public got used to battles, there would be no good result for our future." he said to CNI News.
While seeing Rakhine locals
The battles resumed between the Tatmadaw and the AA starting from 13th November 2023 and the battles between the two sides are breaking out in Paletwa Township in Chin State as well.
The battles are currently breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the AA in Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, Ranbye, Myaybon, Taung Goat, Thandwe, Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Kyauktaw, Pauktaw, Minbya, Mrauk U and Ponnagyun Townships in Rakhine State and Paletwa Township in Chin State.
