Killing Bengalis in IDP camps: Response to the fake news on social medias

It is found that some social medias are describing 400 Bengalis living in IDP camps in Sitttway were dead by cyclone “MOCHA”. In response to this incident, it is formed that led by the State Disaster Management Committee, the State Chief Minister and the Commander of Western Command, the evacuation measures were undertaken for 17 townships in Rakhine State including IDPs to move to safer places starting from 12th May morning.

In evacuating, the elders, children, disable people and pregnant women were prioritized and the evacuations of healthy persons were conducted batch by batch. Out of 125,789 Bengali people in 17 IDP camps including in Sittway, about 63,302 who are needed to move, could be evacuated to safe buildings and cyclone shelters.

After cyclone “MOCHA”, it has been released the information that 4 Tatmadawmen, 18 locals and 26 bengalis, totaling 48 were dead according to the ground lists as of 17 May. According to further information as of 18th May, more 6 locals and 91 bengalis, totaling 97 were dead and the receiving information are being issued in a timely manner.

Those who were dead now are the ones who stayed in their homes by their own plan without being accompanied by officials. That’s why, the information on killing more than 400 Bengali people reporting on the social media are not true. Therefore, it is hereby announced that some media pages broadcasting and reporting fake news to have public panic will be taken actions in line with existing laws.