Poe War — It has been reported that the military junta is imposing fishing restrictions on Muslims in Sittwe Township. This development follows a wave of militia training, which has prompted many Muslims to leave the area.
Since November 2023, when hostilities resumed between the AA and junta forces in Rakhine state, local fishermen have lost access to near-shore fishing. In the past, Muslim fishermen were still allowed to continue their fishing activities.
A fisherman from Thae Chaung village shared that as of mid-January, the junta has also prohibited Muslim fishermen in Sittwe Township from fishing due to concerns about military personnel fleeing the area.
"I haven't been able to fish for nearly two weeks now. The naval patrols in the sea stop me from going out, citing limits on Muslims because of the rising army desertions," he expressed his frustration.
Although there is a fishing prohibition, some boats are reportedly still fishing for subsistence. Yet, these boats have reportedly come under fire from the military navy.
"If we can't catch fish, how can we survive? Some have resorted to sneaking out at night, risking gunfire. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries," he stated.
Nevertheless, in certain areas, some Muslim fishing boats are permitted to fish, but only after paying a fee of 1.5 lakhs per fishing boat mandated by military personnel.
"On the 12th of this month, I was compelled to pay one and a half lakh, as they demanded," shared one affected fisherman.
Following intense clashes between the Arakan Army (AA) and the junta forces near Sittwe, both Arakanese and Muslims were imposed restrictions to fish as a means of enhancing security.
Access to the city remains limited, and residents have noted a rise in difficulties related to their livelihoods and increased poaching due to limited fishing opportunities.
Travel to other townships in Rakhine from Sittwe, aside from the Sittwe-Yangon air route, has also been restricted. This has led to exorbitant prices of goods, leading to food scarcity for residents stuck in Sittwe, as expressed by a Marama Gyi woman.
"At night, people go to bed early out of fear and reluctance to go outside. Starvation is becoming a pressing issue, with some even sneaking out during the day. This cannot continue because people need food. The situation is gradually getting worse," she concluded.
