Representatives from the Shwe Minn Tha Foundation (Myanmar) held a discussion with members of the Arakan State government cabinet about conducting mine risk education programmes in townships plagued by conflict in the state, according to an official from the foundation.

Amyotha Hluttaw lawmaker Daw Htoot May put forward a proposal to upgrade Arakan State’s Kyaukphyu Airport in the coming fiscal year during a regular session of the upper chamber on July 28.

In a show of interfaith solidarity amid the ongoing conflict in Arakan State, Hindus and Muslims in the state have donated relief supplies to internally displaced people (IDPs) who fled their homes due to hostilities between the military and Arakan Army over recent months.

A total of 118 civil society organisations (CSOs) in Arakan State issued a joint statement on July 27 calling on authorities to uncover the truth and administer justice in a rape case recently filed against three Tatmadaw servicemen. 

Contamination has recently been discovered in rivers and creeks in Arakan State’s Ann Township, residents said.

Due to clashes occurring between the Tatmadaw and Arakan Army on or near roads in Arakan State, transportation has been disrupted and trade flows are being delayed, traders say.

Three out of four people who were sentenced to two years in prison under the Unlawful Associations Act for the circulation and sale of a calendar that ruffled feathers last year in Ayeyarwady Region were released early and walked free on July 27. 

A military battalion entered Leik Kha Maw village in Arakan State’s Kyaukphyu Township and detained a 20-year-old man on July 26, according to local residents and an Arakan State lawmaker.

A 45-year-old man from Daunt Chay village in Minbya Township, Arakan State, was wounded by gunfire at about 3 p.m. on July 26, according to the victim.

More than 500 students from kindergarten to high school who are sheltering at Nyaung Chaung IDP camp in Arakan State’s Kyauktaw Township are facing difficulties to pursue their education, according to the manager of the camp. 

Arakan State residents are deleteriously cutting down mangroves growing along the state’s coast to earn a living, say organisations working to conserve the valuable shoreline forests.

One woman and three men from Thaekam Htaunt village in Arakan State’s Ann Township were wounded when two artillery shells landed and exploded in and near the village on July 26, according to locals.

The number of women charged under Myanmar’s Counter-Terrorism Law or related legislation amid ongoing conflict between the military and the Arakan Army has reportedly risen to at least five.

The military faces attacks not only from non-state armed groups but also media organisations when conducting security operations in Arakan State, a spokesperson for the Tatmadaw True News Information Team has claimed.

Voter lists for people living at displacement camps not officially recognised by the government in Arakan State will be announced at their host townships’ election sub-commission offices, the Arakan State Election Sub-Commission has said.

An influenza outbreak has been reported among some sheltering at camps for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Arakan State, according to officials tasked with overseeing the camps.

Lawmakers have recently criticised that the 2020 general elections will not be free and fair in Arakan State.

Three women from Kyaukphyu Township’s Yay Nan Dwein village who were arrested by the military this week are being held at the Kyaukphyu Myoma police station, according to the village administrator and a lawmaker.

Arakan State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu, Municipal Affairs Minister U Win Myint and Chin Ethnic Affairs Minister U Pone Bwe will contest the 2020 election for the National League for Democracy (NLD), according to a July 23 announcement from the ruling party’s Central Executive Committee.