Thieves exploiting conflict, empty homes in Taungup arrested: AA

By Admin 28 Nov 2024

DMG Newsroom
28 November 2024, Taungup

The Arakkha Army (AA) said on Thursday that it had arrested thieves who broke into the homes of residents who fled fighting in Taungup, Arakan State.

Those detained are accused of stealing belongings from the houses of people who left town during the escalating conflict between Myanmar's military regime and the AA. Stolen items included gold and silver jewelry, household items, clothing, food, and livestock such as buffaloes, cows, chickens, and pigs, and other sellable goods, according to the AA. Some thieves were caught in possession of stolen items, said the AA.

"We have learnt from the thieves we have arrested that they took advantage of the fighting to commit theft. We will search for those thieves [who remain at large] and hold them accountable," said the AA.

On November 24, the AA took full control of Taungup Town from the regime.

The AA stated that thieves have been arrested daily with stolen items despite security measures taken by the ethnic armed group to prevent theft.

Recovered stolen items will be returned to their rightful owners after verification, and currently, these items are in the safe hands of AA troops, said the organisation.

A woman from Taungup's Chaung Kauk Ward, who has been taking refuge in Yangon, said: "All my kitchen utensils were stolen. I could not bring my belongings as I fled hastily. My neighbours had their motorbikes stolen."

During previous conflicts in towns like Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Rathedaung, and Ponnagyun, the AA also arrested thieves and returned stolen gold, silver, and jewelry to the rightful owners.

Arakanese writer Wai Hin Aung said: "Some people use war, poverty and livelihood hardships as an excuse to commit theft. It is good that the AA has arrested thieves to protect the property of residents. It should do the same in other towns."

During the fighting in Taungup, the regime looted private poverty and some buildings including houses were damaged or destroyed by the junta's airstrikes, the AA said.

Fighting continues in Taungup Township as the AA is attacking the No. 5 Military Operations Command headquarters and Light Infantry Battalion No. 544, after seizing Light Infantry Battalion No. 346 on Wednesday.