Junta bars transport of food from Ayeyarwady to Gwa

By Admin 13 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
13 August 2024, Gwa

Local people in Gwa Township, Arakan State, are facing food security concerns as the regime has banned the transportation of food and commodities from Ayeyarwady Region into the area.

The regime has blocked off the Gwa-Ngathainggyaung road linking Arakan State with Ayeyarwady Region following fighting between the military and Arakkha Army (AA) in Gwa Township.

"The regime has banned the delivery of food into Gwa Township since the first week of August. Trucks carrying commodities are checked at junta security checkpoints. Truck drivers are forced to pay extortion money and turn back," said a local merchant in Gwa Township.

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

The regime reportedly introduced rice transport restrictions in July, limiting individuals to 10 pyi of rice. People could, however, carry an extra amount by paying money to junta soldiers at checkpoints.

The restrictions are likely to result in higher prices and dwindling food supplies, residents of Gwa Township worry.

"Local people in Gwa Township will face shortages of food in the long run due to the junta ban," said a local woman.

Hostilities between the military and AA broke out in Gwa Township on August 8 and fighting has been fierce as the ethnic armed group battles for control of Kyeintali Town.

Thousands of local people from the towns of Gwa and Kyeintali, and nearby villages, were displaced by the fighting, with those displaced people taking refuge in neighbouring Ayeyarwady Region.

Gwa is home to the military's Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 562 and 563, and the regime has prepared a defence in the town.