Pact Myanmar Microfinance, which has provided loans to over 2.3 million Myanmar people, has announced its exit from the military-ruled country, saying new regulations adopted by the military regime have made it impossible to continue operations in the Southeast Asian nation.

Temporary shelters damaged by Cyclone Mocha have not been repaired yet, and pregnant women and lactating mothers in the IDP camps are facing accommodation difficulties.

Sharks are one of 577 totally protected species in Myanmar, according to a notice from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation.

“We didn’t have any ties with any organisation. We were unfairly arrested and jailed. Three years’ imprisonment was a huge blow to me and my family,” 

Internally displaced people (IDPs) from some displacement camps in northern Arakan State are facing accommodation difficulties as IDP camps have been flooded by incessant rains in recent days.

Representatives of the junta’s National Solidarity and Peace Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) and delegates from five members of the Peace Process Steering Committee (PPST) held the first of what is slated to be three days of peace talks in the Myanmar capital Nay Pyi Taw on Monday.

“We are facing difficulties buying paddy seeds. We have no paddy seeds to grow monsoon paddy.

“It has been more than one month since the market was closed. I have been facing hardships, and I decided to return to business today amid heavy rain,”

A traditional Hindu chariot festival known as Ratha Yatra is taking place over nine days in Arakan State’s Maungdaw, starting June 20 and ending on Wednesday.

Members of the affected population referred to a programme undertaken by the now ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) government.

“The students in our village don’t go to school for many days during the rainy season. When there is a flood, students do not go to school because they are afraid that their boats will sink.”

Local Muslims in Bu May Village, Sittwe Township, have expressed concerns for their safety as the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) is reportedly planning to establish a base in the village.

Many people have been left to pawn or sell their gold items in townships where Cyclone Mocha caused widespread property damage.

Rural residents of Arakan State must be careful as landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERWs) may have shifted locations due to Cyclone Mocha, organisations that work on landmine awareness have warned.

Eleven internally displaced people (IDPs) from four displacement camps in Kanbalu Township, Sagaing Region, were bitten by snakes from June 1-20, according to healthcare workers assisting the IDPs.

Family members have expressed concerns for the safety of two Sittwe residents who were detained by the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) one week ago.

More than 2,000 people displaced by fighting in KhinU Township, Sagaing Region, are reportedly facing food difficulties in the rainy season.

Myanmar’s military regime has promised to assist with the rehabilitation of storm-hit fisheries and livestock businesses, according to businessmen.

“I have not been able to meet my brother for more than one year now. I can only send food and other necessities through jailers.