Fishermen in Kyaukphyu suffer from junta fishing ban

By Admin 02 Mar 2023

DMG Newsroom                                            
2 March 2023, Kyaukphyu

Myanmar’s military regime has barred local fishermen from Thitpoketaung Village in Arakan State’s Kyaukphyu Township from fishing in the Chizhang River near their village, according to local villagers.

The regime has been shipping power cables to Ohnkyun Island, across the Chizhang River, with vessels, said residents. Junta Navy personnel on February 20 warned local fishermen not to fish in the river because of the risks posed by large vessels.

“The Navy officials told us not to haul fishing nets for a month as they are carrying power cables. They said it is not good for us or the vessels if the nets get entangled with the vessels,” a fisherman from Thitpoketaung Village told DMG on condition of anonymity.

The power cables are intended to supply electricity to the junta naval base on Ohnkyun Island, said residents.

Local fishermen say the ban is taking a toll on their livelihoods. 

“We have no other jobs to earn our living. They should take our livelihoods into consideration,” said another fisherman.

DMG was unable to obtain comment from Arakan State Security and Border Affairs Minister Colonel Kyaw Thura regarding whether the regime will compensate affected fishermen for the ban.

“Fishermen must complain to the concerned company to get compensation,” said former lawmaker U Poe San from Kyaukphyu.

Thitpoketaung Village is home to some 150 households with more than 600 people, most of whom engage in fishing for their livelihoods.