Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 05 December 2024 

Escalating conflict in Gwa Township has resulted in a daily rise in the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), creating an increasing demand for support, as reported by those helping the IDPs. 

Residents state that the junta's road blockade has obstructed the delivery of rice and medicine to displaced individuals in Gwa Township, and the demand is significant. 

A woman who was displaced expressed, “The requirements are immense. The combat is fierce, and the junta forces are conducting airstrikes on villages, leading to a rise in the daily count of IDPs. They do not steer clear of locations where IDPs are present, so we need to operate covertly. At this moment, we critically require warm clothes and blankets, yet rice is the top priority. We can cook porridge using rice. We also need medicine." 

She noted that the IDP group consists of pregnant women, the elderly, and children, who urgently require food and medicine while enduring constant anxiety over junta airstrikes. 

In reaction to the escalating crisis, the Gwa Township IDP Assistance Team is launching a fundraising initiative named "One Meal, One Thousand Kyats." All contributions are aimed at supplying food for the IDPs. 

A person aiding IDPs stated, “As the conflict escalates in Gwa Township, the count of IDPs keeps increasing every day, now totaling tens of thousands. The regions where they are taking refuge have grown, with a minimum of 10 camps, but I cannot reveal their sites due to safety concerns. Regrettably, the donor count is dwindling, which is affecting the support initiatives. “

He mentioned that the IDP camps are growing, and the IDPs urgently need food and medicine. 

With an increase in IDPs fleeing conflict areas in Gwa Township, the Gwa Township IDP Assistance Joint Team has been offering shelter, food, and medical support to temporary IDP camps. Nevertheless, the demand for support remains high. 

Simultaneously, the Arakan Army (AA) is slowly making progress toward Gwa Town, as junta troops get ready to defend from Ywar Thit Kone village, located approximately 5 miles north of Gwa Town. Clashes are continuing in the vicinity of Ywar Thit Kone village.