As junta boss Min Aung Hlaing issued threats to the civilian National Unity Government (NUG), People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) and their allied ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) on Monday, critics said the senior-general’s rhetorical posturing was a classic case of bark being worse than bite.

A research paper reading session on Arakanese history, the first-of-its kind in Sittwe, was held at Arian Hall on Strand Road in the Arakan State capital on Sunday.

Waste is scattered near Pyidawtha Lake in Rathedaung, Arakan State, and the drains are full of garbage, say residents, who are urging the concerned parties to do proper work on the garbage collection system.

Only around 30 mini, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have officially applied for business licences from the MSME Association Rakhine, according to the association.

Mangrove forests are also deforested for other purposes including making way for fish and salt farming.

Residents say the number of roadside petrol stalls in Sittwe, Arakan State, has become a concern that authorities need to monitor.

Myanmar’s military regime has sentenced more than 30 members of the All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU) to significant prison time, including at least two life sentences, during the two-plus years since the coup in February 2021.

Myanmar’s military regime has spent 5 billion kyats on efforts to repatriate Muslims from Bangladesh, according to junta media, which cited the regime’s Ministry of Border Affairs permanent secretary, U Thein Htay Oo.

Drug-resistance tuberculosis (TB) cases continue to be a cause of concern in Arakan State as World TB Day was marked globally on March 24.

More than K1 billion will be loaned to fishermen from 10 townships for the development of the marine industry in Arakan State, according to the state’s Department of Fisheries.

Thailand has shown an interest in investing in rice milling and livestock farming in Arakan State’s Maungdaw Township, according to the junta-controlled Myanma Alin newspaper.

The price of 24K gold hit over 2.94 million kyats per tical (0.576 oz) in Arakan State on Thursday, according to gold shop owners.

People with disabilities living in camps for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Arakan State regularly have difficulties in finding jobs and reportedly need assistance.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) has called on ASEAN to enact legislation that enables universal jurisdiction over Myanmar’s military regime, which has been perpetrating crimes against humanity since its February 2021 coup.

Mrauk-U residents have criticised the Myanmar military regime’s plan to supply water from a local lake to townspeople during the hot season, calling on authorities to properly treat the water first.

The Sittwe Township municipality is planning to relocate vendors along Shu Khin Thar Street in the Arakan State capital.

Four political parties in Arakan State have registered with the junta-appointed Union Election Commission (UEC) for the regime-organised elections slated for later this year.

Arakan State residents have warned of an alarming rise in the availability of stimulants and other illicit narcotics despite the fact that, unlike other parts of the country, there are no poppy fields or large-scale drug production facilities to speak of.

Local people in Arakan State’s Myebon Township are experiencing inconveniences in money matters as the only private bank in the town has been closed since late last year.