Thandwe Twsp residents face food shortages as fighting cuts off trade

By Admin 14 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
14 May 2024, Sittwe

Locals in more than 50 villages in Thandwe Township are facing food shortages as fighting there between Myanmar’s military regime and the Arakkha Army (AA) has effectively cut off transportation on the road linking Thandwe and Taungup townships.

The two sides have been clashing fiercely near Shwe Hlay, Kwe Chaung, Thabyu Chaing, Yezin, Zeegon, Auk Nat Maw and Linthi villages.

One Thandwe resident said: “Junta soldiers have fired shots at road users since the fighting broke out. So, the AA has told residents not to travel on the road. There has been no trade since. As there are no new stocks, prices have increased.”

Fighting in Thandwe Township broke out between the regime and the AA on April 13. After the regime gunned down a driver near Shwe Hlay Bridge on April 24, the AA has restricted residents from travelling on the road.

Internally displaced people (IDPs) are facing hardships as a result, said an IDP from Yay Kauk Village.

“Things have become increasingly difficult as food prices have soared while we are away from home. In northern Arakan State, there are organisations that are helping IDPs. But in Thandwe, we receive assistance from no organisation. We have to struggle by ourselves,” he said.

In villages affected by the fighting in Thandwe Township, the price of the Phaw Hsan Hmwe rice variety has increased to 200,000 kyats per sack, the price of lower-quality rice has increased to 120,000 kyats per sack, the price of onion has increased to 25,000 kyats per viss, the price of garlic has increased to 40,000 kyats per viss, and the price of cooking oil has increased to 15,000 kyats per litre.

The majority of those displaced by the fighting are daily wage earners working at the Tha Htay Chaung hydropower dam construction site. Since the project was stalled by the fighting, most have no income and are facing serious hardships.

More than 10,000 residents from over 10 villages in Thandwe Township have been forced from their homes by the fighting.