Myanmar: As civil war continues to ravage Myanmar, Bishop Peter Tin Wai of Pyay in Rakhine State has raised urgent concerns over the escalating suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. Speaking to the Pontifical news agency Fides, the Bishop highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict on everyday life, particularly for young people, many of whom are being forcibly conscripted into combat or fleeing the country to escape military service.
The Diocese of Pyay, which spans nearly the entire territory of Rakhine State and serves roughly 30,000 faithful across twelve parishes, has witnessed some of the harshest effects of the conflict. Bishop Tin Wai pointed to the September 12 airstrike by the Burmese army on two private schools in Kyauktaw town, which claimed the lives of 20 students aged 15 to 21. Such attacks underscore the perilous conditions for civilians as violence escalates across the region.
The Bishop explained that the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed group, now controls 14 of Rakhine’s 17 municipalities, while the Burmese military resorts to aerial bombings targeting civilian areas in its efforts to regain territory. “Communication is cut off, the education system is in crisis, and people are just trying to survive,” Bishop Tin Wai lamented, reflecting the dire realities for those trapped between warring factions.
Despite the turmoil, diocesan priests continue their mission, striving to maintain daily life, provide material support, and celebrate the sacraments. The Bishop emphasized that about half of the faithful live in AA-controlled areas, while the rest reside in municipalities still under army control, such as Sittwe, Kyaukpyu, and Munaung.
The ongoing conflict has triggered widespread displacement, with families fleeing to Pyay or leaving Rakhine State for Yangon in search of safety. Food shortages, particularly rice, and a collapse of education and healthcare services have further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. Bishop Tin Wai warned that forced conscription is driving young people to leave the country, eroding the social and economic vitality of the region.
“Innocent civilians are caught between two warring armies,” he said, describing the human cost of the ongoing conflict. Bishop Tin Wai’s reflections highlight not only the immediate suffering caused by violence but also the long-term consequences for Myanmar’s youth, society, and prospects for peace.