‘I just want to warm myself near a fire in my home: Daw Hnin Nyo, 96
In Sittway, one of the towns where internally displaced people are being housed, there are about 4,000 people living mostly in Monasteries. They were forced to flee the Maungtaw Region Due to the attacks by the ARSA extremist terrorists.
Tens of thousands more have headed to the Bangladesh border. Officials have compiled statistics and report that between 28 August and 7 September, a total of 4,645 people (1,904 men and 2,741 women) fled Maungtaw for Sittway and are currently taking refuge in 22 monasteries. The following are interviews with IDPs and those in charge of the temporary shelters. The interviews shed some light into the challenges they are facing.
U Thu Mingalar, Sayadaw of Dhamma Rama monastery
“There are 268 people taking refuge in my monastery, and we provide them with three meals a day. The regional government does provide support, but the monastery receives many donations as well. What we really need is more lavatories and a private donor is working with the city development committee to fix that problem. We are also trying to send the children here to a nearby school so that their education isn’t stalled. I have told the people taking refuge here to return to their homes when the violence has ended and I urge those in office to make this possible as soon as they can.”
U Kyaw Hla Htun, Chairman of committee for delivering aid to IDPs
“Currently we are providing cash to the IDPs along with healthcare in collaboration with the Rakhine State Department for Relief and Resettlement. There are multiple donors helping the shelters and some have helped set up lavatories and some have provided TVs for the displaced people.”
U Kyaw Min, in charge of the Rakhine State Department for Relief and Resettlement
“Our department has provided Ks20 million for emergency relief between 27 August and 5 September. Our State Attorney General and the Deputy Administrator of the regional government formed a committee to accept and distribute donations from across the country. The donated items are kept in our warehouses and the donation money is deposited in a bank account in Myanma Economic Bank.”
Daw Hnin Nyo, 96, of U Daung Village, Maungtaw Township
“I’ve been here for 10 days now. I want to thank everyone who’s helping us through these troubled times. Although I am living here, I’m happier in my home. But since we had to run away due to the terrorist attacks, it isn’t really an option. I’m used to warming myself by a small bonfire in the morning, and I miss that. Last year we had to flee our homes too because of these kinds of terrorist attacks. I want to request that they station more soldiers near our homes so that we feel more secure.”
U San Maung Thein, Waitharli Village, Maungtaw Township
“The Sayadaw and multiple donors are providing us with our basic necessities so we are well taken care of here. I cannot express my gratitude enough to those who are helping us in our time of need. But there are sleepless nights when I long for my home. Everyone here wants to return home and live peacefully again.”
By Min Htet Aung,
Tin Maung Lwin
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