Fighting exacerbates joblessness crisis in Arakan State

By Admin 02 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
2 May 2024, Sittwe

Unemployment has soared in Arakan State amid ongoing, intense fighting between the regime and the Arakkha Army (AA).

Job opportunities were scarce in the country’s second poorest state even before the fighting. The agriculture, livestock and fishery sectors have all been severely disrupted by the latest hostilities, further fueling the jobs crisis.

A fisherman from Kyaukphyu Township said: “[The regime] has imposed a ban on fishing in the sea. How are we supposed to make a living when we can’t fish?”

Fishermen have been jobless for months as the regime has imposed a ban on fishing in the waters off the Arakan State coast, and fires shots on sight at fishing trawlers.

Meanwhile, many farmers dare not go to their farmlands due to landmines and unexploded ordnance. Farmers across Arakan State did not grow summer paddy due to the risks of landmines.

“Dozens of people have been killed or injured in landmine blasts while going to farms and forests. So, farmers dare not work on their farms. The monsoon paddy cultivation may also decline,” said a farmer from Minbya Township.

The regime has blockaded roads to Arakan State since renewed fighting broke out on November 13, 2023, cutting off trade flows and effectively barring residents from leaving Arakan State to work overseas.

“Before, we could find jobs abroad. However, we can’t go anywhere, and there are no jobs available in the state due to the fighting,” lamented a young Arakanese man.

Humanitarian operations by international aid agencies previously offered short-term jobs for locals. But those operations have been halted by the junta’s restrictions.

The banking system has been inoperative in townships seized by the AA and townships experiencing intense fighting. Most public sector employees have not received their salaries due to cash shortages.

“I have been out of a job for nearly six months as schools are closed. … As there was no job, there was no income. I am facing serious hardships,” said an education staff member from Mrauk-U Township.

Exacerbating the unemployment woes, residents in Arakan State are suffering from soaring food prices.

Since launching its offensive in November, the AA has seized Pauktaw, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Myebon, Ramree townships in Arakan State and Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State.

The AA and its political wing the United League of Arakan (ULA) has said it welcomes foreign investment that contributes to job creation and regional development in Arakan State, and that it would provide security for investors.