Independent UN human rights experts on Tuesday voiced grave concern over the killing and displacement of civilians in north-west Myanmar during the intensifying conflict between the military and the Arakan Army, amid an information blackout in some parts of Rakhine and Chin states, the UN website reported.

“Civilians, including children, continue to bear the brunt of this escalating conflict, “said the UN rights experts, adding that “we are especially fearful for them as violence has increased in the areas where an internet shutdown was recently re-imposed.”

Since the beginning of February, the Government imposed restrictions, including suspending mobile internet services for a period of three months, in Rakhine and Chin state, the experts explained in a statement.