MPs visit IDPs concerned for safety

By Thet Naing 27 Mar 2019

Thet Naing/DMG

March 26, Sittwe

Ongoing clashes between the Tatmadaw and AA have been intensifying in Rakhine State’s six townships, increasing the number of IDPs in the region.

Hluttaw representatives in Rakhine State parliament were visiting IDPs to provide relief aid, but they are concerned for their safety.

U Tun Tha Sein, Rakhine State Hluttaw representative of Mrauk-U Township, visited IDPs in Myet Yeik Kyun village on March 19.  On his way back home, an artillery shell exploded at a spot 100 yards from their vehicle.

“An artillery shell landed about 100 yards in front of us. It hit on the shoulder of the road. I doubt that it was targeting us,” U Tun Tha Sein said.

He talked about a media fabrication concerning a shooting in Mrauk-U town. In the news, it said that U Tun Tha Sein gave comments on the case, but he really did not say anything to them, he explained.

U Tun Aung Thein, Rakhine State Hluttaw representative of Buthidaung Township, also said that he worried about being accidentally shot on the way visiting IDPs to provide humanitarian aid.

“Even if we take precautions during our visit, we cannot know what will happen anywhere at any time. So, we feel we are not safe,” U Tun Aung Thein said.

The number of IDPs and trapped villagers in Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Rathedaung, Buthidaung and Minbya Townships has reached more than 21,000. They are in dire need of food and shelter, according to the Rakhine Ethnic Congress (REC).