Daw Yi Yi Than is not alone in fearing the junta’s airstrikes. Many residents of Arakan State share similar fears. The psychological scars of those who have experienced airstrikes firsthand run deep.

"My sons took care of me, saying that there was only one mother in their lives. Now there is no one to take care of me," she said. "If possible, I have even reached the point where I want to die like my two sons."

The township became a battlefield after the AA launched an offensive against the regime in Arakan State last November. After the fighting peaked in Buthidaung Township, the regime started forcibly recruiting Muslim villagers near their bases.

Thousands of local farmers from about 30 villages in Kyaukphyu Township were forced to flee from landmines planted by the regime, junta raids and artillery attacks. Locals are not interested in the implementation of the Kyaukphyu SEZ project.

In May, some 30 residents including Marajan managed to escape Kyaukphyu Taung Village in Buthidaung Township, where they had been isolated by the regime for more than eight months.
 

As a group of children played in the pouring rain last month, Daw Wai Oo Khin looked out at them and thought back to the carefree days of childhood. Then she gave a deep sigh as the growling of her stomach brought her back to reality.

Ma Yi Yi Lwin said she hopes to one day proudly reveal her occupation as a member of the Fourth Estate. But that day is not this day, nor does it appear to be a day arriving any time soon.

A female Byaing Phyu villager said: "It was not a rumour that women were raped. We heard screams and 'Please, don't! I beg of you.'"

U Tun Naing used to be the breadwinner of the five-member family, who survived on his daily income. The burden to provide fell on the shoulders of his wife after he lost his leg.

Local people in the Arakan State capital Sittwe are worried about the danger of landmines as junta soldiers have planted them around the city and at entry and exit security checkpoints.

Daw Aye Kyi is currently in her second trimester, and said that fortunately, there are currently no known health risks for her or the baby.

Residents say the arson attacks intended to incite racial hatred came after the regime suffered a string of military defeats in Arakan State, losing large swaths of territory in northern Arakan State over five months of fighting.

Written by Zwe Thit

“I shook her, but she did not regain consciousness. My mother died in my hands, bleeding. I saw her die,” said Maung Naing Soe Lin, a 17-year-old teenager from Pauktaw town.

His mother died in a battle in Pauktaw town following renewed fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) that began in November.

Maung Naing Soe Lin is the younger son of a six-member family. They lived in No. 1 Ward in Pauktaw...

Students in rural parts of coastal Arakan State have no option but to choose water transport for schooling. Boat accidents are not unusual in the state.

Written by Myat Swe

It was a characteristically rainy monsoon season day, and Ma Khin Win Chay was alone inside her home, sitting on a chair. The roof was leaking and drop after drop of rainwater was falling on her. But she could not move, and was looking out the window for a passer-by to ask for help.

“I am immobile. I spent that whole day sitting on the chair. I can no longer work,” she said.

More than 1,000...

Companies will post job advertisements at labour offices and ward and village administration offices, and will often interview local applicants. But locals say they never get the jobs.

“Business owners had mangrove trees removed to build fish and prawn farms. So, we have lost our fishing spots,” said Daw Thein Win Yi, from Linpankya Village.

“I have lost everything, not even a pot was left,” said Daw Than Than, shedding tears.

“My granddaughter has not talked to anyone for nearly two months. She has barely responded when I talk to her,” said Daw Sandar, Ma Akyaw May’s grandmother.