The Arakan Human Rights Defenders and Promoters Association calls for the Military Council to allow the residents of Pauktaw, who have been trapped for five days amidst the military conflict, to evacuate the town.
On November 20, the Arakan Human Rights Defenders and Promoters Association called on the Military Council to demonstrate humanitarianism, by allowing the trapped residents of Pauktaw Township to evacuate the area.
"I am trapped with my grandmother, who had a stroke, and my mother, who underwent abdominal surgery in Pauktaw Township. We urgently appeal to rescue teams for assistance as our supplies of medicine, food, and phone batteries are rapidly depleting," said an individual trapped, making the request via online. Approximately 500 locals, including those in poor health, remain trapped as of today.
Following the Arakan Army's (AA) capture of the Pauktaw police station on November 16, tens of thousands of people fled to safety due to artillery shells and small arms fire from the Military Council's helicopter and navy.
Approximately 100 residents, including individuals from education, health, and agriculture departments in Pauktaw Township, were detained by the Junta forces at Sasana Temple, the Agriculture Office, and the local fire-station.
"They have been in custody for five days now. I have not received any contact from them until today. On the 16th of November, they informed me over the phone about their arrest. Presently, we are unable to reach them as their phones have been confiscated," explained a family member of the detained education employee.
Presently, the Military Council is positioned at the Lawka Hteik Pan Pagoda in Pauktaw Township, as well as the entry and exit points of the town, with two navy ships monitoring the vicinity near the harbour.
The individuals currently trapped are in urgent need of assistance, and both family members and those affected are appealing to organizations that can facilitate their evacuation as soon as possible.
Regarding this matter, DMG attempted to contact Military Council spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun and Rakhine State Security and Border Affairs Minister Colonel Kyaw Thura, but the calls went unanswered.
"The Military Council's arrests and blockades aim to erode public trust in ULA/AA. They consistently assert, 'The people are suffering because of AA.' This is the Military Council's attempt to defeat ULA/AA by creating a 'human shield’,'' stated veteran politician U Pe Than.
At present, local social aid organizations and international organizations are making efforts to evacuate the individuals trapped in Pauktaw Township. However, they have not obtained permission from the Military Council.
On November 16, the detonation of artillery shells in Pauktaw Township, coupled with gunfire from the Military Council, led to casualties among civilians. Presently, there is heightened military tension between the Military Council and the AA in Pauktaw Township.
