Poe War — The police department in the Rakhine State capital of Sittwe is reportedly recruiting new police  by offering financial incentives of 500,000 kyats and a bag of rice.

A Sittwe resident, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the recruitment drive.

“They are offering 500,000 kyats and a bag of rice, advertising that people of all ages are eligible to join," the resident said. "Some individuals are enlisting simply due to severe financial hardship and the daily struggle to survive.”

A new recruitment and command center has been established inside the Dhamma Yeik Thar Monastery in Sittwe to process the new enlistees.

“The military authorities cannot replenish the police force with personnel from the mainland anymore, as no one wants to join," the resident added. "Combined with high desertion rates, the police force has been severely weakened. That is why they are recruiting anyone, regardless of age.”

A local woman noted that both veteran officers and new recruits are currently undergoing joint training, alongside members of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).

“They are providing combat training to both old and new police officers," she said. "I have also spotted Sittwe-based Solidarity Party members among the trainees. I view this strategy as an attempt to force the Rakhine people to fight one another if a major conflict erupts.”

Local critics argue that the regime is exploiting vulnerable citizens. Due to blockaded transportation routes into Sittwe, residents face skyrocketing commodity prices and widespread unemployment.

Observers state that authorities are leveraging these weaponized livelihood hardships to pressure desperate locals into serving as military resources.