Travel ban in Kyaukphyu extended two more months

By Admin 20 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
20 December 2023, Kyaukphyu

Myanmar’s military regime has extended its ban on fishing, docking and sea transport in the sea adjacent to Kyaukphyu town, the site of the majority of foreign investments in Arakan State.

The regime introduced the ban on November 19, effective until December 19. Locals had hoped that the regime would introduce relaxations when the ban expired, but to their dismay, the regime has extended the ban for two more months, until February 19.

The decree, signed by the junta-appointed Kyaukphyu Township administrator, bans “unauthorised fishing, movement and docking in the sea along the shore adjacent to the town, and the coastline along the shore of Thanzit River.”

Meanwhile, the Kyauktalone checkpoint outside Kyaukphyu manned by junta troops has not allowed vehicles and people to leave or enter the town. Kyaukphyu town is now facing food shortages and low-income families are going hungry.

“We have been forced to rely on donors for rice, and we are going hungry. We thought we would be able to fish and find a job when the ban is over. However, we feel very depressed now,” said a housewife from Thanpan Chaung Village.

Businesses in Kyaukphyu town have been forced to suspend operations due to junta’s blockade, and odd-job workers have little income.

Some social organisations and business owners have been donating basic food including rice for low-income families, but it will become increasingly difficult to supply them in the long-run, said a member of a charity.

“We have been helping them for nearly one month now. We had thought that travel restrictions would be lifted after one month. So, we had bought food with our own money and donations from well-wishers to supply them. If a situation goes on like this, we won’t be able to supply them for long,” said the charity worker.

As Kyaukphyu is an island town, it relies on its rural areas and other townships for food supplies. Rice is primarily supplied from Sittwe, Ponnagyun and Kyauktaw townships.

“Kyaukphyu is an island town, and it can face food shortages even during normal times. The regime is well aware of that, and it is venting its anger on the people for their support for the AA,” said a social activist from Kyaukphyu town.

The regime has detained at least 25 civilians in Kyaukphyu town for their alleged ties to the AA, and/or for alleged incitement. Local battalions and naval bases also fire artillery shells daily.

The AA has accused the regime of starving people by cutting off deliveries of food and other vital supplies to Arakan State.