November 28, 2022
The military council continues to block waterways and roads in Arakan State except the crucial routes for the army although an unofficial ceasefire made with the Arakan Army (AA) has lasted three days.
On November 28, the military reopened Mayu River route between Sittwe-Rathedaung-Buthidaung road and Angumaw-Maungdaw road. The military has still blocked other waterways and roads, according to locals.
A local from Sittwe criticized that the reopening of Sittwe-Buthidaung Mayu waterway today is for the interest of the military council rather than the public’s interest.
“The continued blocking of transportation routes between Buthidaung, Maungdaw and Sittwe costs the public. Even it costs the army more. They (soldiers) cannot go. They find it difficult to get rations as the transportation routes are cut off,” he added.
Till this morning, the military has blocked the entry and exit gate in Sittwe. The gate is located on the road connecting other towns including Yangon,” a driver says.
“This morning I went to the military police gate to ask whether the roads reopen. They replied that the roads remain closed. I don’t know when the roads will reopen,” a local from Sittwe says.
The military continues to block the Sittwe-Ponnagyun-Kyauktaw section, Rathedaung-Ponnagyun-Sittwe section, Minbya-Myaybone section and other water routes in northern Arakan State. The military has tightened inspections at the inspection gates.
A local from Kyauktaw Township said: “I think the military should reopen blocked roads as usual due to the ceasefire. It has an impact on the health, social and economic conditions of the entire people. As a result, commodity prices have skyrocketed. The people have to use other routes for travelling. The people who have to go to the hospitals and clinics regularly face more difficulties.”
Since August 13, the military council has blocked the roads in Arakan State.
Since October 18, the military council has banned the operation of vessel lines and civilian vessels in northern Arakan State. Then, the military council is carrying out arrests of vessels.
Sent by Khaing Lu Hla (Yoma Myay)