Rakhine people now constitute nearly half of Paletwa population as AA takeover displaces Chin residents
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Hsu/Thant Zin (NP News) - Feb 24
A Chin ethnic source told The Statesman that Rakhine settlers now make up nearly half the population of Paletwa Township following its takeover by the Arakan Army (AA).
According to the 2014 national census, Paletwa Township had a population of over 90,000. Of these, more than 70,000 were Khumi Chin, while just over 20,000 were Rakhine.
The AA is now using Paletwa as a commercial gateway for goods from India. Reflecting this shift in control, a greeting sign has been erected at the border in the Rakhine language: 'Thali Swa Pa, Welcome.”
"According to the 2014 census, Paletwa had Chin State's largest population—shared only with Tedim—with over 90,000 people. Of those, more than 70,000 were Khumi Chin and just over 20,000 were Rakhine. Even with those numbers, the Rakhine were already influential: people had to speak Rakhine just to buy goods. That was when the Chin were still strong. Now it's even worse," the source said.
Currently, Paletwa’s original Chin homeowners have fled to the safety of cities like Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Daw. In their absence, Rakhine individuals affiliated with the AA have reportedly moved into and occupied these vacant homes.
"The Rakhine population in Chin State has grown, mainly because of fighting in places like Kyauktaw and Taunggoke, where the area is no longer peaceful. People from there have moved to Paletwa, relocating to villages and settling in. Compared to Kyauktaw and other spots, this side is relatively safer—the AA fully controls it. Right now, I think the Chin-Rakhine ratio is about half and half. Folks from that side have come here; I've even heard that in Paletwa town, good houses are now occupied by them. AA associates live openly there too. They don't need to build new villages—they just move into existing houses. There are no Chin left in the houses in Paletwa town," he said.
He added that Chin people are unhappy about the increasing dominance and influence of Rakhine people in Paletwa Township.
"Basically, Paletwa has become a subordinate town within Chin State. Historically, during the British colonial period, it was administered from Sittwe. There aren't many military troops there—only one strategic hill base, controlled from Kyauktaw mainly due to transportation routes. For example, if government staff from Paletwa need to attend a meeting in Hakha, they must travel from Paletwa to Kyauktaw in Rakhine State, then through Magway, and finally up the mountain road via Gangaw," he explained. –