At the Mrauk-U entry checkpoint, Military Council troops apprehended eight vehicles carrying goods from Yangon intended to assist the individuals affected by Cyclone Mocha in Rakhine State.

A monk from Sittwe shared, "The arrest occurred yesterday at approximately 3 pm. In one of the vehicles, with the help of our contacts, six Rakhine monks from Yangon collected donations and provided relief materials to 1,000 households in Rathedaung Township and three villages in Nga Pyi Kyun, Pauktaw Township. These aid items included food, clothing, and other essential provisions. Now, I have received information that these items have been handed over to the police."

According to a monk, out of the eight cars that were seized by the Military Council troops, four of them have been confiscated. The fate of the remaining four cars depends on the permission granted by the state government. In light of this, four monks from Sittwe are planning to meet with a state government official this morning to discuss the release of the vehicles.

"The four monks are currently on their way to meet with a government minister to discuss the release of the vehicles. It has been stated that the Military Council troops will release the remaining four cars if they receive permission from U Hla Thein of the state government. We are expecting to receive updates on the outcome of the meeting by noon."

In addition to the confiscated vehicles, the military also detained a monk from Yangon, a car driver, and a helper who were present in the arrested cars.

This is the first time that the Military Council has confiscated aid vehicles meant for providing assistance to the people affected by the cyclone in Rakhine State. The seizure occurred following the Military Council's ban on the movement of local and foreign humanitarian organizations in the area, impeding the delivery of crucial aid to those in need.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) issued a statement on June 8, highlighting that the Military Council has imposed restrictions on the movement of aid groups, resulting in the cessation of all aid operations. The statement emphasized the importance of sustaining aid operations, particularly during the rainy season when the need for assistance is heightened.