Kyaukphyu Twsp villagers worry over Myanmar military deployment

By DMG 27 Aug 2021

DMG Newsroom
27 August 2021, Kyaukphyu

Residents of Thaing Chaung village in Arakan State’s Kyaukphyu Township are worried about a recent Tatmadaw troop deployment in the village, and some have fled to other areas, villagers said.

A 100-strong military contingent reportedly entered Thaing Chaung village on August 26, said a local resident who declined to be named for security reasons.

“The Myanmar military summoned the 10-household heads and the ward administrators to inquire about the population and household registration certificates in the village. The military column is composed of 100 security personnel including policemen and soldiers in civilian clothes,” the unnamed villager said. “The military did not arrest the locals, but some villagers moved to nearby families out of fear of [the troop deployment].”

Locals said the Tatmadaw soldiers are stationed at the village monastery and school, and that they are from Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) No. 34 in Kyaukphyu.

The military reportedly detained the Thaing Chaung village administrator on August 27, but no other arrests had been made, according to villagers.

Military personnel also questioned the heads of 10 households in Pyarkyein village, near Thaing Chaung village, said a villager who also asked for anonymity citing security concerns.

“The military personnel asked the village officials how many houses there were in the village. Military troops are often stationed in the village,” the unnamed villager said. “I don’t think war will happen again, but I’m worried about it anyway.”

Similar Tatmadaw troop deployments have been reported recently in villages of Arakan State townships such as Thandwe, Taungup and Gwa, according to locals.

DMG attempts to reach Arakan State Security and Border Affairs Minister Colonel Kyaw Thura for comment about Tatmadaw troop deployments in the villages were unsuccessful.