Clashes have forced the majority of Paletwa residents to seek refuge from the violence, including government staff.
Salai Myo Hteik, chair of the People’s Administration Council for Paletwa District, told Khonumthung News that, as connectivity was suspended, it was difficult to ascertain specific numbers of displaced but was certain that most people in the town in southern Chin State have fled. “A few people, including elderly individuals and those who are unwell, remain in the town.”
A local anonymous source, knowledgeable about the military situation, said that nearly 6,000 residents fled the fighting between the State Administration Council (SAC) and the Arakan Army (AA) in and around the town.
“We heard that a jet fighter conducted three passes over the town. A surveillance aircraft also flew over the town,” the source said. Clashes have been breaking out in the town for three consecutive days, he said.
At least two local residents were killed, and six people were injured by the clashes, and some houses in the town have burned down.
AA troops have captured the police station in Paletwa, causing police to flee and regroup with SAC’s Infantry Battalion 289 on the other side of the Kalandan River.
Salai Myo Hteik reported that over 20,000 people received emergency aid like basic food, healthcare, and shelters. “Probably, people in Paletwa Township will face starvation soon. Some people are already running out of food rations because it is really hard to get supplies. It’s also hard to get a hold of a bottle of medicine.” He hoped that the aid groups, both inside Chin State and abroad, can provide them with emergency aid soon to alleviate the growing humanitarian crisis.
AA has attacked several strategic SAC hilltop camps of 8 battalions since January 1, seizing at least 20 camps and outposts in the township.
Due to connectivity issues, Khonumthung News could not independently confirm any of this information.