It is difficult for locals to access information due to internet blackouts in eight Chin State townships, some of which have seen clashes take place recently between junta troops and local militias under the People’s Defense Force (PDF) banner. 

The Sittwe District Court has dismissed the appeal of four Arakanese students recently sentenced to two years and six months in prison, according to a lawyer representing the defendants. 

Oyster sellers in Arakan State are reportedly facing difficulties due to lower prices.

The price of coconuts in Manaung Township, Arakan State, has plummeted since last year, according to coconut dealers in Manaung. 

Family members continue to demand justice for those who have gone missing and remain incommunicado after being arrested during armed conflict between the Myanmar military and Arakan Army in Arakan State from 2018-2020.

A resident of Ann Township, Arakan State, who was charged under the Counter-Terrorism Law after the military arrested him, has required medical treatment at hospital for internal injuries he suffered from being beaten in detention, his family members said. 

The Kyauktaw-based Future Target Education Foundation is offering computer and English-language proficiency courses to provide free educational opportunities to young people in Arakan State.

Farmers in Arakan State say the soaring price of fertiliser means some are opting to forgo or scale back use of it on their crops this season.

More than 5,000 tonnes of illegal timber were seized in Arakan State between October 2020 and August of this year, according to figures from the state’s Forest Department.

A ceremony to mark the International Day of Peace was observed on September 21 in the Arakan State capital Sittwe.

Internally displaced people (IDPs) in Arakan State say the rising prices of basic foodstuffs such as rice, cooking oil, iodised salt, onion and garlic are making life more difficult for those displaced by conflict.

The All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU) says at least 25 students have been for street protests prompted by a prolonged internet shutdown in Arakan State and deadly fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army.

An expectant mother from Taungmin Kalar camp for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Kyauktaw Township, Arakan State, tested positive for coronavirus this week, camp manager U Aung Kyaw Win told DMG.

People are cooperating in an ongoing effort to place food boxes for those who are hungry, the poor and others in need at wards in Kyaukphyu town, Arakan State. 

Locals say the Wunbaik mangrove forest reserve (WRMF) in Ramree Township, Arakan State, Asia’s second-largest mangrove forest, is being cut down for firewood, adding that the mangroves need further protection efforts.

There was only one case of human trafficking reported in Arakan State last year, according to the No. 5 Anti-Trafficking Task Force (Sittwe).

Covid-19 vaccines to be delivered by Myanmar’s military regime will be provided for the people as a matter of priority, a spokesperson for the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) told DMG on September 21.

Construction work on the Tawkan-Warbo bridge in Sittwe Township, Arakan State, started in 2019, but funding has not yet been allocated to complete the bridge, according to the Department of Rural Road Development.

With no clashes between the Myanmar military and Arakan Army for some 11 months, tens of thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs) have returned home, but many are finding it difficult to make ends meet.