Muslim fishermen report that a naval ship of the military council looted fuel and money from a Muslim fishing boat off the coast of Myebon Township in Arakan State and banned them from fishing.
The military council’s naval ships have imposed a strict fishing ban in the Arakan Sea. Arrests and extortion of fishermen continue to occur, fishermen from Arakan State said.
A Muslim fisherman from Myebon Township shared, “Recently, the Navy from Kyaukphyu called our fishing boat from a distance. They seized 300,000 kyat and more than 20 20-liter fuel cans. They returned 10 cans but kept the rest. They also harshly warned us never to fish again.”
The Muslim fisherman added, “We no longer receive international aid. If that’s the case, so be it. We can make a living through fishing, but now that we’re banned from fishing, we are facing many difficulties.”
The fisherman continued, “Currently, Myebon Township is under the control of the AA, and they have allowed us to fish freely. Life under AA rule is much easier now. Our relations with the Arakanese people are also good, and we can sell our fish without any restrictions.”
The junta’s naval ships, stationed near Sittwe, Pauktaw, Kyaukphyu, Man Aung, and Ramree, have been firing on fishing boats. They also arrest and extort the fishermen, fishermen said.
A fishing business owner from Man Aung said: “Fishermen can do nothing. The miliatry council’s boats and naval ships are present there. They have banned us from going out to fish.”
Fishermen reported that some fishermen were injured when the junta’s naval ships opened fire on fishermen at sea.
A fisherman from Arakan State said, “If there were no naval ships, we could fish freely.”
In the previous month, the junta’s naval ship near Sittwe arrested some fishermen from a fishing boat and took them to Sittwe.
Regarding the incident, he said, “The junta soldiers demanded money from them. They were arrested because they didn’t have any. I’m not sure if they have been released or not.”
Since the renewed fighting between the AA and the military council in Arakan State in November 2023, the military council has cut off both roads and water routes.
Due to the military council’s blockage of water routes and ban on fishing in the sea, fishermen in Arakan State are struggling to make a living.
Sent by Narinjara
