Inhabitants from the peripheral villages, forcibly moved to monasteries in Sittwe's urban regions, struggle to access regular meals because of insufficient support.
"We are starving as well. Some of us only have rice available to eat. At times, meal time has already passed, and we end up without any food at all," remarked a young woman from Byine Phyu village, who was moved to Ya Tayar monastery.
She stated that the World Food Program (WFP) offers 50,000 Kyats each month for every individual in monasteries, but the absence of additional donors and increasing prices of goods render this sum inadequate to fulfill their requirements.
"Individuals are losing weight due to insufficient food availability. Women must purchase sanitary pads during their periods as they lack other options. Some women opt not to use pads and simply wear a longyi,” she explained.
The junta has forcibly relocated more than 20 villages, such as Byine Phyu, Shwe Min Gan, Kyay Taw Paik Seik, Kyay Taw, Shwe Pyi Thar, Aung Taing, Palin Pyin, Kywe Te, Par Da Leik, Yae Chan Pyin, Ohn Yae. Phaw, Kyat Taw Pyin, Maung Ni Pyin, and Tin Pone Tan, affecting thousands of individuals.
Over 30 monasteries in urban Sittwe, including Sit Kae Taw Min, Ya Tayar, Dhamma Yone, Thinkha Yarzar, Eain Soe May Mi, Shwe Zedi, Pyidaw Pyan, Theindi Kar Yone, Ma Ni Yadanar, and Dhamma Yeik Thar, have served as shelters. for those displaced.
At present, many displaced individuals are acquiring food and beverages on credit from supermarkets and borrowing money from friends and family. A man in his 60s, seeking refuge at Ya Tayar monastery, informed Narinjara News that they lose dignity when asked to repay loans, as they are unable to do so.
"We are encountering significant challenges obtaining food. We lack money and are compelled to purchase food on credit. A day or two back, store proprietors approached to request payment, and a dispute ensued. Parents are going hungry while providing food for their children. This is the situation," he stated.
A woman who was forced to leave her home due to the conflict at Sit Kae Taw Min monastery reported that the absence of aid has resulted in many displaced individuals lacking regular meals and urgently needing food.
"We're starving. I have nothing to eat, and I am unable to cook rice at the moment. I needed to borrow four cans of rice from other people. I went to gather vegetables since I had no food, but a dog bit me, and now I can't go," she stated.
On May 29, junta troops murdered 79 residents of Byine Phyu village in Sittwe and detained more than 300 individuals. The junta subsequently compelled women, children, and the elderly to move to a monastery in Sittwe City.
After this event, inhabitants from nearby villages were also forcibly removed for security reasons and moved to monasteries in the city.
Although there is an urgent need, the junta has ignored the food shortage problem, causing the displaced to face difficulties without regular meals.
