The IDPs are living in temporary tents near the forest, and the IDP children are suffering from skin diseases due to the conditions they are living in.

The idea of designating the Chinese New Year as a public holiday in Myanmar was initially discussed during a meeting between junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai last year.

The number of clashes increased as the Arakkha Army (AA) is currently battling for control of Maungdaw, Thandwe, Ann and Taungup townships in Arakan State.

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has seized three junta camps in Momeik Township, northern Shan State, the ethnic armed group said in a statement on July 8.

Around 400 Sittwe residents remain detained and some of them have been charged by the regime. According to family members, some of those who remain detained do not know what they are being charged for, and have not been able to contact them.

“Many farmers can’t afford agricultural materials as their prices have surged. Many farmers are growing fewer acres this year,” said farmer U Aung Thein Tun from Ponnagyun Township.

Observers say junta troops deployed in Thandwe Town intend to use the remaining civilians as human shields as the AA is poised to attack the town.

A resident of Kyeintali Town lost one of his legs from the knee down after stepping on a landmine while foraging for vegetables on Sunday, the latest in a growing number of landmine-related casualties in Arakan State’s Gwa Township.

Clashes between the AA and military were reported in May and June on a daily basis and the fighting was at its heaviest during the first week of July, the AA said.

Two people were killed and four others were injured after an artillery shell fired by the military landed and exploded in Ballone Village, part of Mogok Township in Mandalay Region, on July 7.

“He left his home early to cut down firewood. He stepped on a landmine on a mountain range at around 8 a.m. on July 7. He lost his left leg and bled to death,” said a local resident.

Since launching its offensive in November, the AA has yet to attack only Gwa and Manaung townships, where the regime appears to be preparing to make a stand.

Around 60 junta troops raided Amyint Kyun village on June 22, and gathered male villagers on the ground at the centre of the village before abducting 46 residents aged between 18 and 40.

As the AA has already seized all junta bases, military camps and police outposts in rural Maungdaw Township, the ethnic armed group has begun attacking military camps in downtown Maungdaw since June 16.

Nay Oak, a captain from the TNLA, and three members transporting captured junta soldiers were attacked by SSPP/SSA fighters near Kyangin Village in Hsipaw Township on July 5, the ethnic armed group said in a statement.

A local man and his son from Jeittaw Ward in Ngapali Town, Arakan State, were shot dead on Thursday by junta soldiers retreating from the military’s Light Infantry Battalion No. 55, 

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) said junta soldiers stole cash and jewellery worth 2 billion kyats from KBZ Bank and CB Bank branches during fighting in the west of Mogok Town, Mandalay Region.

The junta boss said last month that he planned for the poll next year, and is preparing to conduct a census to compile voter lists.

The Mizoram-based Central Young Lai Association (CYLA) on June 24 blockaded the overland trade route used to import goods from Lawngtlai in Mizoram to Arakan State via Paletwa Township.