Local authorities banned volunteers who tried delivering aids to refugees affected by armed clashes between government armed forces and Arakan Army (AA) in Kyauktaw Township in Arakan state of Burma, Narinjara News said on Tuesday.
“This morning, Kyauktaw Township police chief warned us by phone not to go into the armed clashes area. He said that no one would be allowed to provide aids in the battle zone,” Daw Hla May, chairwoman of Women Network of Kyauktaw Township, told Narinjara.
Even though the authorities banned, they would go and contribute aids to Sapar-Seik village where army tactical commander also based, she said.
“We are people who love peace. And, we do not involve with any organization. Though forbidden, we have to deliver aids to Sapar-Seik village, which is not restricted area. As the place is secured and tactical commander himself is there, we will go the village. However, we will not go into battle area,” she said.
Formerly, Township administrator said that they can go for their donation trip, but later Township police chief phoned her and banning the trip today, according to Daw Hla May.
There are 417 war refugees taking shelter in Sapar-Seik village and all of them are from Pinlon village, Aung Lan Chaung village, and another village, she said.
“Women from Sapar-Seik village asked us for aid. They said they have just rice and water. Since there is no other food, they requested to help them. So, we will go for contribution with rice, oil, dry fish, potato, and bean,” she said.
Moreover, the army barred the villagers from going out of their villages, which are to be found along the Pi stream. So, villagers are facing hardship for living, a local resident told Narinjara.
“Along the Pi stream area, army barred us not to go out of the village. So that grassroots natives have faced difficulties for their daily life. Villagers are even not allowed going out to look after their cattle. Thus, aid is needed,” said a local resident from Welgyi Chaung village.
Currently, villages those face hardship are Way-Lar-Kan, Ngar-Saung-Bak, Thann-Htaung, Chinn-Kan, Than-Payar-Kan, Dani-Taung, Wa-Pyin, and Wel-Gyi-Daunt Yoar Thit villages.
Currently, apart from passenger-boats, trading-boats and marketing-boats are prohibited for passing through.
Translated by Aung Myat Soe and edited by Zin Linn for BNI.
