Two fishermen injured in Myanmar Navy shelling in Pauktaw Twsp

By Admin 30 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
30 August 2024, Pauktaw

Two fishermen from Kyeinkhwaymaw Village, part of Arakan State’s Pauktaw Township, were reportedly injured in an artillery strike fired by a Myanmar Navy vessel in the Kaladan River east of Sittwe Township on Thursday.

U Hla Yin, 59, and U Win Win, in his 40s, were wounded in the artillery attack while fishing in the Kaladan River on the night of August 29.

“Local people make a living as odd-job workers due to livelihood hardships. As they were injured in the regime shelling, it has become more difficult for them to earn a living,” said a fellow resident of Kyeinkhwaymaw Village.

U Hla Yin sustained shrapnel wounds to his right thigh and U Win Win suffered shrapnel injuries to his right thigh and right arm, with the latter’s condition considered life-threatening.

“U Hla Yin sustained severe injuries and his leg is likely to be amputated. He needs financial assistance to treat his injuries,” said a source close to the family of the victim.

Local residents in Arakan State are suffering from a food crisis and limited employment opportunities amid junta blockades of both roadways and waterways. 

With few viable livelihood options, many are increasingly putting themselves in harm’s way to make money.

“The grassroots have found it more and more difficult to earn a living. Large families face more livelihood difficulties,” said a social activist.

There are frequent civilian casualties due to junta airstrikes and shellings in Pauktaw Township, which borders Sittwe.

Four people including a Buddhist monk were injured when a junta jet bombed Kyeinkhwaymaw Village in June. Three civilians including two minors were injured in April when artillery shells fired by a Myanmar Navy ship landed and exploded in Taung Oo Maw and Anaukye villages in Pauktaw Township.