On June 21 last year, the Myanmar government cut off mobile internet access in eight Arakan State townships and Chin State’s Paletwa Township. With the internet blackout now in its ninth month, DMG interviewed human rights campaigners, civil society activists and a member of Parliament about how the shutdown has impacted the daily lives of people in the affected townships. Because many of those townships are also considered conflict zones, the human rights implications of the internet blackout was top of mind for several of the interviewees.

Daw Khin Htay Win, a 28-year-old primary school teacher from Pyein Daw Kone Dan village in Arakan State’s Rathedaung Township, suffered a shrapnel wound at about 3 p.m. on the afternoon of February 3. An artillery shell allegedly launched from a Tatmadaw watercraft near the village hit her, family members said.DMG interviewed the teacher about the incident, as well as asking for her opinion on education and peace.

“Donors need to apply for permission from the state government to provide a donation. As the government did not allow them to go to the camps for security reasons, the number of donors is decreasing.”

Fighting between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army has plagued Arakan State for more than a year, raising questions as to whether the 2020 general election will be held throughout the region. DMG asked members of political parties, lawmakers and civil society organizations for their thoughts on what might happen if some parts of the state are not able to vote in the polls slated for November.

The Arakan Army (AA) is ready to cooperate with the government if Myanmar’s 2020 general election will be held in Arakan State, the ethnic armed group’s leader, Maj-Gen Twan Mrat Naing, told The Irrawaddy recently. DMG’s Kyaw Thu Htay contacted some lawmakers, representatives of political parties and election observers to elicit their views on the comments made by the AA chief.

Early December 2019, the wife and children of Arakan Army (AA) leader Major-General Twan Mrat Naing were arrested by Thai authorities in the northern city of Chiang Mai, Thailand. The wife, Daw Hnin Zar Phyu, and her 11-year-old daughter Ma Saw Pyae Shin and toddler son Myat Linn Zan, were detained by immigration authorities on December 4, and are currently being held in the Thai capital Bangkok.

When working in areas affected by fighting/ongoing clashes, we examine many factors including the safety and security of the situation before we send our teams in.  We work in close coordination with the authorities, seeking relevant field clearance and/or approval so that we can effectively provide for the most urgent needs of those displaced.

We have four nurses. Two of them were going to Buthidaung to collect their salary. The remaining two nurses didn’t want to stay here anymore. So, I temporally transferred them to Buthidaung on May 3 after I discussed our situation with the doctor from Buthidaung Township Hospital.

DMG Interview with Ms. Dena Fisher, Head of Sub Delegation of Sittwe Office in Rakhine State on the situation of humanitarian aid provided by ICRC to the displaced people due to the clashes between Myanmar Army and Arakan Army.

Why would I want to flee from my home? I want to stay home and live peacefully. I do not want to be killed. I feel embarrassed for fleeing for my safety even though I am too old now. However, I do not want to be killed by artillery fire.

It is the duty of the Tatmadaw to crack down on insurgents. We are working for peace and stability in the region, the rule of law, and to support anti-narcotic drug programs and public support activities.

“Some Arakaneses have a similar desire like the Bamar in the country to have justice. The act of the military force does not represent all Bamar. Similarly, we do not accept that military force they do not represent us.”

“Bamar leaders especially need to think what they should do before they charge or impose a sentence against a Rakhine ethnic. In politics, those who are more powerful must show their forgiveness and patience. Otherwise, the country can never become a peaceful country.”

“From my point of view, the charge of high treason is a severe indictment. If the charge is for sedition, it would be enough, I think. Anyway, it is not a good sign appearing as a political prisoner under the civilian government.”