Regime blockade blamed for creating conditions leading to crime wave in Sittwe 

By Admin 05 Jan 2024

DMG Newsroom
5 January 2024, Sittwe

Increased cases of mugging, robbery and theft have been reported in the Arakan State capital Sittwe despite the fact that junta troops carry out regular night patrols in the military regime’s seat of administration in Arakan State.

Theft has been reported daily at locations including Sittwe’s main football pitch, Mingan and Aung Mingalar wards, and Shu Khin Thar Street.

“Motorbikes and bikes have been stolen in Lanmadaw Myauk Ward. The thieves are mainly targeting bicycles now because of fuel shortages. Bikes are also stolen in the daytime,” said a resident of Lanmadaw Myauk Ward.

A motorbike and two bicycles were stolen from a house in Lanmadaw Myauk Ward last month, and other houses have also reported theft.

The regime has imposed a nighttime curfew from 9 p.m. to dawn in Sittwe since renewed fighting broke out on November 13. Town residents say they have spotted groups of men entering wards at night.

“There are no pedestrians on the streets after 8 p.m. due to the curfew. But groups of people wander late at night. We have to guard for fear of theft,” said a resident from Ywargyi Myauk Ward.

Three men broke into a house in Sittwe’s Kyaukkyi Ward at 2 a.m. on December 13 and stole a motorbike. A group of armed men robbed a house in Aung Mingalar Ward at around 12 noon on December 25.

On December 31, a group of men mugged a young man and took his wallet and phone on Shu Khin Thar Street during the daytime.

“He was walking when five men came and beat him. They stole his phone and wallet and ran away. It is not safe in Sittwe,” said a witness.

Arakan State is experiencing food shortages and soaring food prices due to the junta’s blockade of roads and waterways, bringing economic hardship that some are blaming for the rising crime.

“Food prices have shot up due to the blockade,” said a Sittwe resident. “Meanwhile, jobs are scarce, and this has driven the people to commit crimes. Mugging and robbery will only increase in the long run if the situation goes on like this.”