Fishermen operating in the Thanzit River near Made Island in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, where Chinese projects are located, report that their livelihoods have become difficult due to interference from the military council.
Residents of about 40 villages, including those on the Made Island, and Sit Taw, Nga Seint Pyin, Oo Kin, Sein Chon, Thea Tan, Thea Chaung, Gant Gar and Gyin Gyi village tracts, as well as residents of Pyin Phyu Maw, Ka Nyin Taw, Nga La Pwayt and Taung Yin Wards rely on fishing to earn a living along the Thanzit River.
Since November 2023, these villagers have faced various threats from the military junta, including extortion, bans, gunfire, confiscation of boats and nets, and arrests.
A fisherman from Made Island said: “The main problem is the military ships that cause us troubles. Sometimes we have to jump off our boats and swim when they shoot at us. Some have had their fishing boats confiscated and have been detained for a day or two”
Two men from Kyan Chaing village in Sittaw village tract were arrested by a junta vessel while fishing in the Thanzit River on 1 September and released on bail on 3 September.
Although disruptions by junta soldiers have been occurring since November of last year, fishermen report that conditions have worsened in recent months, forcing many to stop fishing.
“Since the announcement to dredge the Thanzit River, we have become even more anxious. Before, we were still able to work a little. Now there are more movements of military vessels. Although it is difficult to feed our families, people are therefore very afraid to even go to the river, let alone look for fish,” said a resident of Sein Chon village, who has stopped working.
The military junta has banned locals from crossing or fishing in the Thanzit River from 15 July to 30 September because it claims to be dredging the river to facilitate the transportation of large oil tankers to the port on Madae Island, where Chinese projects are located.
The junta has tightened security with military vessels while the river is being dredged. Kyaukphyu Township is located in the Bay of Bengal and with its numerous rivers and streams, most of the residents have lived from fishing for generations.
Although the Kyaukphyu Township has not yet witnessed heavy fighting between the military junta and the Arakan Army (AA), the locals are facing various hardships due to the junta’s imposition of blockade on transportation routes and movement of food and medicines.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG).
