Residents of 24 villages in Sittwe Township, Arakan (Rakhine) State who were evicted by the junta as part of its preparations to defend Sittwe against an Arakan Army (AA) offensive are facing considerable hardship.

In June 2024 the junta evicted the residents of 12 Sittwe Township villages, including Palinpyin, Out Taing, Ohnyay Phaw, Kyattawpyin, Yaechanpyin, Pya Lei Chaung, Kywee Te, Thinponetan, and Maungnipyin.

In September 2024, three more Sittwe Township villages were evicted, Byian Phyu (Satt Yoe Kya), Kyaytaw, and Shwe Pyi Thar.

Then, in December 2024 the junta evicted the residents of nine more Sittwe Township villages, including Pardaleik, Kyauktangyi, Kyauktanchay, Kyamathauk, Theindan, Yardan, and Nar Yi Kan.

Many thousands of villagers have been evicted and displaced. Many have sought refuge in monasteries in Sittwe Town, such as the Dhamma Yarma, Tayza Yarma, and Tat Oo monasteries. Others are staying at the homes of relatives in Sittwe Town.

As their displacement stretches into months the displaced (IDPs) are facing increasing difficulties, including limited access to aid and soaring prices.

An IDP currently sheltering at a Sittwe Town monastery said: “We are not included in the list of war refugees, so we receive far less aid compared to others. That’s why we’re facing even more hardships. Some of us were forcibly evicted from our villages with just two days' notice, leaving us with only a few belongings and food. Now, that food has run out, and as time goes on, our livelihood crisis is only getting worse.”

As their situation worsens, the IDPs from the 24 villages are desperately hoping that more humanitarian assistance will reach them.

In the current winter cold an increasing number of IDPs sheltering at the monastery are suffering from illness, which is especially prevalent amongst children and the elderly.

A villager displaced from Kyamathauk Village who is currently sheltering at a Sittwe Town monastery said: “With winter upon us, the evicted villagers are enduring severe cold. Many are living in makeshift tarpaulin tents within monastery compounds, which offer little protection from the chill. Children and the elderly are particularly suffering, with runny noses, coughs, and fevers.”

According to some residents of Sittwe Township, the junta has only evicted the residents of predominantly ethnic Arakan villages whilst leaving the residents of predominantly Muslim villages in situ.

A villager evicted from Thinponetan Village said: “Now, there are only about 10 villages left with people [still in them] near Sittwe Town. The junta evicted residents from many villages, including ours, in waves. The soldiers just came, told us to leave within two days, and gave no further explanation.”

Since they evicted the villagers, junta soldiers and their accomplices have been looting and vandalising homes, and stealing valuables, according to residents of Sittwe Township.

Despite this, as fighting is starting to break out in Sittwe Township, many residents of other villages in the township would like to temporarily evacuate from their homes but are unable to do so due to financial constraints and travel restrictions.

The junta has fortified its defences around Sittwe Town and is preventing civilians from leaving the town.