Landmine clearing operations are now in progress in recently captured Paletwa Township under supervision of the Arakan Army (AA), aimed at securing the safety of individuals traveling and working in the area.
A displaced person from Paletwa stated that, “AA has explained its intention to repatriate residents to Paletwa Township only after the completion of the clearance of landmines.”
He added “ Paletwa is peaceful now without any bombings, yet the return of the internally displaced people (IDPs) is still pending. AA is actively clearing landmines across all areas, and upon completion, they have conveyed their intent to facilitate the safe return of Paletwa residents to their homes”, he told Narinjara.
Since the beginning of clashes between AA and the Myanmar Military in 2018 and 2019, Paletwa locals have been displaced and living as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Expressing her joy to Narinjara, a displaced woman from Paletwa welcomed AA’s complete control of Paletwa. Having faced numerous hardships during her extended stay in IDP camps, she dreamed of a swift return to her home.
"Enduring the hardships in the IDP camps has been incredibly tough. Despite the sufferings, returning to our village felt impossible, leaving us with no choice but to persevere through these perils. The news of Paletwa's capture by AA brings us immense joy. The deep longing to return to our homeland, where we can work and live freely, is palpable. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to AA”, she said.
Reports indicate that the Military Council forces have laid a substantial number of landmines in the mountain ranges surrounding both their camps and the inhabited villages. So, various areas still pose risks of landmines.
AA announced that, as part of their commitment to enhancing the security of people's lives, homes, and belongings, they are actively pursuing and engaging the coup Regime soldiers who have lost the combat and are fleeing in Paletwa.
Initiating operations in Paletwa on November 13th, within 62 days, AA declared the entire Paletwa region as a junta-free zone on January 14th.
