By Jar Seng / MPA
Due to ongoing conflicts in Rakhine State, displaced persons and residents are facing severe psychological trauma from economic hardships, with some resorting to suicide, according to local reports.
Since November 13, 2023, the military council has blocked major roads leading to Rakhine State, pretexting resumed battles in the region. This has caused a price hike in basic commodities and fuel within the state.
Additionally, the military has been using airstrikes and naval artillery to target areas they have lost control of, destroying houses and the daily deaths of civilians.
“Our people are inflicted from between natural disasters and the ravages of war. Floods destroyed our crops and seedlings. Recently, an airstrike killed six people. Life has become so suffocating that people feel trapped by hardships,” said a resident of Mrauk-U Township.
Though there has been no fighting in Pauktaw and Sittwe, the military council frequently shells the towns with heavy artillery. On August 10, the military council also conducted airstrikes on civilians-residing Wards in Mrauk-U using jet fighters, killing six and injuring ten.
As a result of these conflicts, the prices of essential goods have skyrocketed. Cash shortages are worsening, and money transaction services are charging exorbitant fees, sometimes up to 12% which has caused the people to suffer more, despite the Arakha Army (AA) setting 5%.
“There is no more battle in our area, but people are struggling to survive. Even daily work isn’t enough to cover food expenses. It’s especially hard for the displaced. There’s no international aid anymore, jobs are scarce, and people are losing hope,” said a 30-year-old resident of Ponnagyun Township.
According to the AA’s statement, there have been nearly 600,000 displaced people in Rakhine State who are in need of assistance, including food, security, mental health support, and medical care.
In recent months, a 25-year-old pregnant woman from Nyaung Pinle Village in Mrauk-U Township committed suicide by ingesting poison due to severe economic hardship. Similarly, a 50-year-old woman from Ale Kyun Village of Ngaman Ye Kyun Village Tract in Myebon Township drowned herself for the same reasons.
Human rights activists point out that these incidents demonstrate how the displaced and local populace in Rakhine State are facing unbearable challenges and, as a result, are increasingly resorting to desperate measures.
At the end of July, heavy rainfall caused flooding across Rakhine State, prompting farmers who are already impacted by the conflict to further encounter damaged crops and seedlings.
“Most farmers are responsible for providing for their families, but the lack of jobs has deeply affected them. Although they don’t speak about it openly, they’re suffering mentally. We are also hopeless, losing motivation to work,” said a 26-year-old social worker from Kyauktaw Township.
AA currently controls most townships in Northern Rakhine State and is continuing its military operations to capture the remaining towns. Simultaneously, they are providing as much support as possible to the displaced civilians.
Additionally, AA has also called on neighboring countries, international organizations, NGOs, and volunteer groups to provide medical and other forms of assistance to the displaced population.
