May 31th, 2022
Locals who have to rely on the forests for their livelihood are facing difficulties due to the mounting military tension between the military council troops and the Arakan Army (AA) in Arakan State.
U Kyaw Mya from Theinhtaung village in Nagayar village-tract in Minbya Township said: “We have to rely on wood cutting. The current situation is worrying due to the military activities in Minbya Township. We have to go to the forests to cut woods and bamboos by risking our lives.”
On May 15th, the AA issued a statement, warning that fighting may resume at any time due to the mounting military tension between the Myanmar army and the AA. The AA warned the civilians to avoid going to the military-related areas.
The people from Waitharli village in MraukU Township have to rely on the forests for their livelihood.
U Thein Tun from Waitharli village said: “We don’t dare to go to the places where the military troops were stationed. We have to go to safer places. We know now it is not safe. We have to do our work by monitoring the situations.”
The majority of the rural people in Arakan State earn their living by cutting woods, bamboo and picking vegetables and doing farming and fishing.
Fishing workers are worried as the military ships are going in the rivers and creeks.
U Maung Saw Chay from Saparhtar village in Ponnagyun Township said: “Military ships are going frequently. Today, I don’t dare to go fishing. The people from this village earn their living by fishing.”
Ko Myo Lwin, a social activist from Ann Township said: “The military has built many military outposts in Ann. Locals cannot go to their farm which is their major business. The people are worried when there is a military tension.
Locals are facing a lot of difficulties as the military is carrying out inspections and restrictions of inland and water routes.
There have been no fighting between the Myanmar Army and the AA for over one year.
Currently, the military tension mounts. On May 26th, the fighting resumed in Paletwa Township.
Sent by the DMG.