Kyaukphyu hit by crime wave as blockade takes toll on residents

By Admin 06 Apr 2024

DMG Newsroom
6 April 2024, Kyaukphyu

Rampant mugging and robbery have been reported in Kyaukphyu town, which has been isolated by the military regime.

The regime has imposed travel restrictions into and out of the town since renewed fighting broke out between the junta and the Arakan Army in mid-November.

Criminals are working in groups in urban wards, said residents.

Five men broke into the house of a resident in an extended ward in Kyaukphyu town on Wednesday night and robbed his handphone at knifepoint, according to a family member.

“Five men broke the fence around 9 p.m., and wielded knives against family members. My uncle had a cut on his head. Then they took a handphone,” said a nephew of the robbed family.

There were at least five cases of mugging and at least 20 break-ins in March across five wards in Kyaukphyu town, DMG has learnt.

The regime has tightened security across Kyaukphyu town, running checkpoints and regular patrols. The crimes are happening under the regime’s nose, critics say.

U Kyaw Lwin Oo, owner of Mya construction materials shop in Kyaukphyu, said a group of men stole from his shop in broad daylight.

“They stole around two tonnes of ironworks that I put outside my shop. They freely took them with motorised trailers. Some people saw them stealing, but they dare not say anything for fear that the thieves might harm them,” he said.

Kyauktaw residents have been suffering from serious food shortages and price hikes due to the junta’s blockade of the town, which has triggered the crime wave, residents contend.

“We have no job opportunities as the town is blockaded. Food prices have skyrocketed. Things will only get worse,” said a Kyaukphyu resident.

Junta troops and the AA have clashed at least four times in Kyaukphyu Township since renewed fighting broke out in November. Military tensions are still running high in the township.