Rice runs short in Gwa due to junta restrictions

By Admin 31 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
31 July 2024, Gwa

Residents in Arakan State’s Gwa Township are running short of rice as the regime has limited the amount of rice residents can carry into Gwa from Ayeyarwady Region.

Fishing is the main source of livelihood in Gwa, and residents rely on rice purchased from Ayeyarwady Region due to limited availability of farmland in their township.

The regime reportedly introduced the limit earlier this month, limiting individuals to 10 pyi of rice. People could, however, carry an extra amount by paying money to junta soldiers at checkpoints. Lately, the regime has started enforcing the limit, seizing the extra and imposing a fine, said residents.

“Previously, we were asked for a minimum 5,000 kyats at checkpoints if we carried more than 10 pyi of rice. But we can’t now,” said a woman resident of Gwa.

In some cases, junta-appointed village administrators report to junta checkpoints about villagers carrying more rice than they were allowed, she said.

“Junta soldiers stop them with military boots, and hit them using a rifle butt.”

There are seven checkpoints manned by junta soldiers along the road woven through the Arakan mountains from Ayeyarwady Region to Gwa.

Those who carry more than the limited amount are fined, confirmed another resident. “[Junta soldiers] do not check people, they mainly check goods,” he said.

Rice prices are increasing in Gwa due to the junta’s rationing of rice. The price has doubled from 10,000 kyat per pyi last month to 20,000 kyat at the end of July.

Many Thandwe residents who have fled the fighting are currently taking shelter in Gwa Township.

A fisherman in Gwa Township said: “We can’t go fishing [due to the junta’s fishing ban]. Rice prices have increased though jobs are scarce. Low-income families are struggling. We are going to starve soon.”

The regime has blockaded roads and waterways in Arakan State since November 13, following the renewed fighting.

The regime has reinforced its positions in Gwa, and residents are fleeing the town due to the junta’s war preparations.