Clashes between Myanmar's military and the Arakan Army, an armed rebel group, have resumed in Maungdaw in Rakhine state. After being closed for several days, the sound of gunfire was heard till yesterday morning. This has created panic among the border dwellers again.
Lieutenant Colonel Md Mohiuddin Ahmed, commander of Teknaf-2 Battalion, said the infiltration efforts of Rohingyas on the border have decreased compared to before. However, due to the proximity of the Myanmar-Bangladesh border, there is a big noise. But we are resisting the Rohingyas who try to infiltrate the border
Meanwhile, border people said that Maungdaw town is located on the southeast of Jaliyapara of Teknaf and on the other side of the Naf River east of Sabrang. The Khayenkhali canal is the entrance through the Naf River in Maungdaw town. There are reports of Rohingyas gathering at the mouth of the canal. Loud explosions can be heard in the border area. People in the border area believe that Myanmar's junta forces are firing to recover the area occupied by the rebel Arakan Army.
According to locals, more than 700,000 Rohingya are still living in Myanmar. Of these, 250,000 are in Rakhine's Buthedaung, 300,000 in Maungdaw and the rest are in other towns, including Akyab. Maungdaw is currently under attack, where most Rohingya people live. A significant number of them are trying to escape to Teknaf in Bangladesh by crossing the Naf River.
Meanwhile, big sounds of explosions are coming from the border in Kharangkhali, Teknaf, Municipality, Hinila, Jadimura, Damdamia, Nightongpara, Jaliyapara of the municipality, Nazirpara, Sabrang, Shahparir Dwip, the estuary of the Naf River.
People on the border said that after a long closure, Teknaf is shaking again with the loud sound of a big mortar shell explosion.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Adnan Chowdhury said, "There is a loud sound of explosion again in the internal conflict in Myanmar. But BGB and Coast Guard patrols have been strengthened to prevent infiltration along the border."
ZH
