Sittwe Villagers Forced to Relocate by Military Council

Arakha Times, 8 December 2024

The military council is forcibly relocating villages and neighbourhoods surrounding Sittwe in Rakhine State, displacing thousands of residents.

Villagers from Ye Chan Pyin have been pressured to leave their homes by December 7. Currently, most residents are staying in monasteries in Sittwe, though conditions vary significantly.

“ Some monasteries are comfortable, but others lack essential facilities like toilets and water, making it difficult to set up proper relief camps,” a Sittwe resident told Arakha Times.

“ I visited the monastery near the Sittwe cemetery, where newcomers from Ye Chan Pyin are staying. These monasteries are overcrowded and unclean. The monks are hesitant to let people stay long-term because of the sanitation issues. There’s a need for proper toilets and access to water. People are moving in hastily, without proper planning,” the resident added.

Since June, the military council has forcibly relocated residents from villages such as Pala Pyin, Aung Daing, Ohn Ye For, Khat Taw Pyin, Ye Chan Pyin, Pyal Le Chaung (new and old villages), Kwee Te Pik Seik Chey, Kwee Te Pik Seik Gyi, Thin Pung Tan, and Maung Ni Pyin. Similarly, residents of Aung Tun Thein Ward in Sittwe have also been forced to move to monasteries like Nepu Khan.

The authorities have not provided alternative housing or land, forcing displaced residents to stay in monasteries or with relatives.

Ye Chan Pyin, the last remaining village near a port facility, has seen its residents relocated to towns like Yathedaung and Ponnakyun. A Sittwe resident suggested that the relocation is intended to protect villagers from potential clashes with the Arakan Army, which may advance on Sittwe from Pauktaw and Maungtaw.

“There is a military gate near the village. Because it is close to the water, they’ve ordered the relocation to prevent attacks from this area if the Arakan Army advances via waterways. This is not just limited to Maungtaw—there are threats from Ponnakyun and Yathedaung as well,” the resident explained.

Thousands of displaced people, including women, children, and the elderly, have received no assistance from the military council.

Adding to residents’ concerns, the military council conducted arrests in city monasteries in November under the pretext of verifying guest lists. Many fear they may be used as human shields if fighting intensifies in Sittwe.

In early November, authorities also ordered the demolition of about 20 houses near the Nazi village police outpost in Sittwe’s Sat Yone ward, citing security concerns.

Sittwe residents report heightened tensions as the Arakan Army has encircled the city. Gunfire is frequently heard on the outskirts, and the military council has strengthened its defences and tightened security measures in Sittwe.