Gold shops close in many Arakan State towns

By Admin 30 Nov 2023

DMG Newsroom
30 November 2023, Sittwe

Nearly all the gold shops have shut down in Sittwe, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Pauktaw, Rathedaung and Kyaukphyu townships in Arakan State due to ongoing fighting and instability in the region.

A gold shop owner in Sittwe said: “Almost all the gold shops have closed due to concerns. If something happens, it is not convenient to pack up jewellery items. Artillery shells are being fired in Sittwe. So, anything can happen at any time.”

Only a few gold shops are still open in Sittwe, but there are reportedly no buyers, with people only pawning or selling their gold jewellery at those shops.

Almost all the gold shops are closed in Kyauktaw town, and some shops only open in the morning.

A gold shop owner in Kyauktaw town explained: “There is still no fighting in our town. But we have concerns, and have therefore closed our shops. There is almost no business at present.”

Since renewed fighting broke out on November 13 between junta troops and the Arakan Army in Arakan State, the regime has been making arbitrary arrests of town residents, forcing business owners to close their shops and flee the towns.

“Some residents were arrested here,” said a gold shop owner in Kyaukphyu town. “And also because of the current situation, gold shop owners are concerned that something bad might happen while their shops are open. So, they have closed their shops.”

The regime has blockaded roads and waterways in Arakan State since fresh fighting erupted on November 13, causing food shortages and food price hikes. Businesses have been forced to close, and low-income families in particular are facing hardships as a result.