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Yangon/London -- Burma Human Rights Network calls upon the Burmese government to lift restrictions on phone and internet coverage that have been in place in northern Rakhine State and parts of Chin State for the past year, beginning on 21 June 2019. The restrictions were put in place by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, which is under control of Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD party, as fighting between the Burmese Army and the insurgent group Arakan Army intensified in the region.
“The restrictions on internet and telephone service in Rakhine and Chin by Aung San Kyi’s NLD Party have significantly harmed the civilian population. By blocking internet and phone usage in these areas, Burma has prevented reports from civilians on human rights violations in the conflict and the medical and aid needs of those impacted by the conflict. There is no apparent need for the internet ban for the Burmese Army except to inflict suffering on civilians and cover up their crimes,” said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
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London, UK -- The Burma Human Rights Network is concerned about continuing reports of rising prices and food shortages in areas affected by the conflict in Rakhine and Chin State. Fighting between the Burmese Military and the Arakan Army has disrupted local economies, displaced civilians, and cut off supply lines and NGOs from accessing those most in need. These reports are occurring as new cases of Covid-19 are reported in Rakhine State and at least one case was previously reported in Chin State.
“The conflict in Rakhine and Chin State continues to harm the civilians most, while no end is in sight to the fighting. NGOs must be given full access to these areas to ensure that civilians can have their basic needs met. The Burmese Army and the Arakan Army must ensure that transportation of goods can continue without risk and that supply lines remain open for the civilian population,” said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
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Yangon/London -- A Tatmadaw (Burmese Army) column ransacked Mi Let Wa village in Chin State’s Palatwa Township on 26 May, an eyewitness told Burma Human Rights Network. He said a military column retreated from the village at 11 a.m. and came back around 2:30 p.m. and attacked the village. Mi Let Wa Auk is situated on the bank of Kalandan River.
“It took place around 2:45 p.m. The military column, which was in the village before has retreated, and another one came into the village. The column that came later first attacked the village with heavy weapons. From our village, Palatwa town is very close; the two places are divided only by a small river. We could see everything. We could see clearly the military column entered into the village,” the eyewitness said.
