Dependent on forests, rural Arakan already suffering from potential for renewed fighting

By DMG 31 May 2022

DMG Newsroom
31 May 2022, Sittwe  

Local people in Arakan State who depend heavily on forests for their livelihoods are being increasingly affected by the growing military tensions of late between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army (AA). 

Rural populations that make a living by selling forest products in Minbya are alarmed by increased military activities in the township, said residents. 

“We make a living by chopping firewood. I am concerned about the current situation. But we have no choice, but to go into the forest to feed ourselves,” said U Kyaw Mya from Thein Htaung village in Minbya Township. 

The Arakanese ethnic armed group has warned civilians against travelling routes and areas where junta troops are deployed and where they frequent. 

Residents from Waithali village in Mrauk-U Township also depend on forests for their livelihoods. 

“We dare not go near places where junta troops have deployed. We know it is not safe now. We have to take extra caution when we go into forests,” said villager U Thein Htun. 

Alongside farming and fisheries, forests are among the main sources of livelihood for the majority of rural populations in Arakan State. 

Fishing households are also concerned about the movements of the regime’s Z-craft in rivers and creeks in Arakan State. 

U Maung Saw Che from Sapar Htar village in Ponnagyun Township said: “Z-craft are often seen these days. We dare not go fishing on those days. All the residents in the village make a living by fishing.” 

Social activist Ko Myo Lwin from Ann Township said: “[The Myanmar military] has built many new outposts in Ann, effectively barring locals from going to their farms, which are their main source of livelihood.” 

The regime has also imposed tight restrictions on road and water transport in Arakan State, causing hardships for many local people. 

Arakan State has been largely peaceful since Myanmar’s military and the AA observed an unofficial ceasefire in November 2020. But military tensions have been running high in Arakan State for months now, and a clash broke out on May 26 in Chin State’s Paletwa Township, which borders Arakan State to the north.