The Miss Universe Sittwe 2019 has been cancelled due to ongoing armed conflicts, organizers said.

Some contestants for the beauty pageant were coming from conflict affected areas, so their journey could be problematic, consequently, the organizer of the Miss Universe Sittwe 2019 decided to call off the event, said makeup artist Kyaw Kyaw Moe.

“We need people’s support to be able to host the event successfully. This is a beauty contest held on the state level and attractive women from all townships should participate in it. But we thought contestants from northern Arakan State may face difficulties traveling to the event.  So, we decided not to host the event this year,” he said.

The first Miss Universe Sittwe was held in Arakan State in 2015, it was also held in 2016 and 2017.

In 2018, the event could not be held because of criticism concerning traditional culture, this faux pas created some setbacks for the state, the organizer said.

“The beauty contest showcases the gorgeously stunning women of the region. After the contest was held in 2015- 2016, everybody knew the winner was Cho Cho Tun. So, people who may not be familiar with Arakan State might learn more about it because Cho Cho’s win made her a celebrity. Khaing Thandar Lin from Mrauk Oo and Kay Khaing form Sittwe were winners in the past two events,” he explained.

He suggested that people need make the distinction between culture and art, and he will arrange to host beauty contests in the coming years.