Junta delivery of ‘reconstruction materials’ greeted with scepticism in Sittwe

By Admin 26 Jun 2024

DMG Newsroom
26 June 2024, Sittwe

Myanmar’s military regime said more than 2,000 tonnes of cargo for “reconstruction of Arakan State” arrived in the Arakan State capital Sittwe on Tuesday. 

Ships carrying rice, fuel, food, and building materials weighing 2083.44 tonnes arrived at the India-funded port in Sittwe, reported junta media. 

The regime-appointed Arakan State chief minister U Htein Lin called on officials to ensure that the recently arrived goods are not misappropriated.

The regime has blockaded roads and waterways in Arakan State since renewed fighting broke out in November. Junta-run media reported that it is using water transport to bring in rice, fuel and other vital items from Yangon. 

Unimpressed residents said the cargo that arrived on Tuesday was not intended for them, but rather for junta battalions defending against the threat of an Arakkha Army (AA) attack on the Arakan State capital. 

One Sittwe resident said: “The regime has blockaded the entire Arakan State, and people are facing food shortages. Food supplies that it has brought in now are surely not for the residents. People believe the AA will attack Sittwe. So, it is possible that the regime has brought in those supplies to be used in defending Sittwe Town.”

“They said goods have arrived. But prices haven’t declined. Only the business owners collaborating with the regime are reaping benefits. And most of those supplies ended up at the battalions,” said another resident. 

Though fighting has not yet taken place in Sittwe Town, the regime has imposed tight checks at checkpoints, and is preparing a defence of the Arakan State capital. 

Some two-thirds of the town’s population have fled for fear of possible fighting, with the rest remaining for a variety of reasons; many are trapped in the town due to financial difficulties or simply an unwillingness to risk the threats of landmines or being shot on sight along the potential escape routes.

In recent days, the regime has occupied 14 Arakanese villages in Sittwe Township bordering Ponnagyun and Rathedaung townships, after forcing residents out of their homes. 

One Arakanese politician said: “The regime thinks the AA’s next target will be Sittwe after seizing Maungdaw. The regime will not easily cede Sittwe Town. So, it is reinforcing its troops in Sittwe with more troops and weapons.”

DMG was unable to obtain comment from Arakan State military council spokesman U Hla Thein.