Junta accused of benefiting from India-funded port in Sittwe while denying others access

By Admin 30 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
30 December 2023, Sittwe

Myanmar’s military regime is accused of utilising an India-funded port, which is part of the US$500 million Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, in the Arakan State capital Sittwe for its own benefit rather than the benefit of local people.

The regime has blockaded land and water routes in Arakan State since renewed hostilities between the military and Arakan Army (AA) began on November 13. Ships carrying various commodities from Yangon are not being allowed to dock at the India-funded port, according to a local businessman in Arakan State.

“Ships carrying various kinds of commodities from Yangon are not allowed to come to Sittwe. The ban has been in place for [almost] two months. Ships loaded with cement and construction materials and owned by authorities are allowed to dock at the India-funded port,” he said.

Although private ships are barred from docking at the India-funded port in Sittwe, the regime’s cargo ships are allowed to dock at the port, according to businesspeople.

With few goods flowing from mainland Myanmar to Arakan State, merchants are suspending their business operations.

“Businesses have stopped operations. There is a shortage of goods flowing from mainland Myanmar. Ships loaded with goods from mainland Myanmar are not allowed to dock at the India-funded port in Sittwe,” said a merchant in Sittwe.

“We have run out of food and there are reports of robbery. Some people rely on food shared by others. The prices of commodities are skyrocketing,” said a local woman in Sittwe.

DMG attempts to obtain comment from U Hla Thein, spokesman and attorney-general for the Arakan State military council, were unsuccessful on Saturday.

The port links Sittwe and the Bay of Bengal to destinations inland as part of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, and was opened on May 9.