File photo: Myanmar soldiers walking along the Pyidaungsu highway road outside Kutkai in Shan State on August 25, 2019 AFPSurge of violence in Northern Arakan prevailsAs the world continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, Myanmar remains focused on armed conflicts and genocidal acts and crimes in the country. A report titled “Arakan Rohingya Union Narrative Report to OIC Development on the ground in Arakan state,Myanmar,” submitted by Arakan Rohingya Union Director General Dr Wakar Uddin on March 14, covered the current situation the Rohingya community is in. Surge of violence in Northern ArakanIn recent months, the Myanmar military stepped up the fighting with the Arakan Army, killing a number of village residents in several townships in Arakan. Most recently, on April 13, Myanmar military launched heavy artillery at the Rakhine village of Kyaukseik in Punnagyun township, killing eight villagers and injuring thirteen, sources from the ground reported. ▪ The OIC and the international community must insist the Government of Burma lifts the internet blackouts and stops the current violence in Northern Arakan.

Source: Dhaka Tribune April 15, 2020 07:07 UTC