Hnin Nwe Ni, Narinjara News, 28 November 2024

A great number of females from Arakan State encounter major challenges after relocating to Yangon. In spite of these challenges, a displaced Arakanese woman in Yangon is determined to continue providing for her family.

"It's not because we’re well off. Instead of being without a job and hungry, I decided to start a small street food stall named Rakhine Mont-Ti (also known as Rakhine Fish Soup). It assists in paying for our day-to-day family expenses,” she explained.

Situated in Kyauk Myaung, Yangon, her food stall offers a variety of Rakhine Mont-Ti and has gained a following among local residents.

Leaflets cautioning people not to purchase from Arakanese food shops were seen in Yangon and Mandalay in the beginning of February. Warnings were displayed on various surfaces in Yangon, urging people to refrain from purchasing goods from Arakanese shops in solidarity against the AA insurgents, causing distress among displaced Arakanese individuals.

“Upon my initial arrival in Yangon, I noticed flyers advocating for the boycott of Arakanese businesses and cautioning against dining at these establishments. I was concerned that opening a street food stall would result in the same outcome. However, I did not encounter any discrimination when I launched my store. Individuals from varied ethnic backgrounds gathered to enjoy a meal, and there was an absence of prejudice. Rakhine Mont-Ti was frequently visited by students and workers,” she said.

Many Sittwe locals have left for big cities like Yangon, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw because of rumors of conflict in Sittwe since February.

A woman who used to live in Sittwe and moved to Yangon said, "Most of the shops in Kyauk Myaung, Tamwe Township, are owned by Sittwe residents. You can find all your favorite Mont-Ti or Kabar Fried Noodles here. The majority of the stores in Sittwe have begun operating in this vicinity. “

Many individuals from Arakan State, including a large number from Sittwe, are making money through operating food stalls on the streets of Yangon. Well-known establishments in Sittwe, including Mya Sabal Restaurant, Maw Leik Mont-Ti, Ma Nu Mont-Ti, Ah Yee Wine Kabar, San Shwe Min Kabar, Zan Milk Shop, Sein Cafe, Strand Road Salad Shop, Shwe Pyi Taw Restaurant, and Phyu Phyu Than Fried Rice Shop, have extended their operations to the city.

A Sittwe woman relocated her family to Yangon and started a Mont-Ti shop, which she had operated in Sittwe. She described how the challenges of covering her children's education costs, rent, and bills, as well as the necessity to meet expenses, prompted her to establish the store in Yangon.

“I couldn't escape to the countryside when conflict was on the brink, so I sought refuge in Yangon. I needed to lease a flat for 400,000 kyats monthly. Initially, I survived on the supplies I had brought with me. I had to cover my children's schooling expenses, which led me to open the Mont-Ti store around three months afterwards. She stated that currently, the Mont-Ti shop is operating efficiently,” she said.

She mentioned that her concerns first arose when considering setting up a street food stall in a new location. In actuality, the store has been operating smoothly, and she did not encounter any discrimination based on ethnicity or religion.

“I was concerned about customer turnout before the store opened. I was told that flyers were distributed advising against patronizing Arakanese businesses. However, upon the store's opening, residents of both Bamar and Arakanese descent in Yangon showed their support. There was no discrimination,” She stated.

The military regime has cut off land and sea access to Sittwe, leaving air travel as the sole means to reach Yangon and Mandalay. Consequently, numerous individuals escaping the conflict have migrated to these urban areas.

The majority of people in Sittwe have relocated to Yangon, either staying with family or renting apartments, in order to have employment opportunities. Nevertheless, there are still many Arakanese individuals facing difficulties in making enough money to cover their expenses, said an Arakanese man.

"We must search for employment in the large city of Yangon. While some individuals operate taxi cabs, their partners run food stalls on the streets. We handle a variety of tasks. Some open beauty salons while others are employed in factories. People who have sewing skills choose to pursue a career in tailoring. Individuals who possess goldsmith skills are employed in gold stores. We are unsure of when the conflict will cease or when we will be able to go back to our homes. Sitting around is not a simple task. We must seek employment and make a living,” he said.

At the moment, there is no conflict happening in Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung towns in Arakan State, while Gwa, Taungup, Ann, and Maungdaw towns are still experiencing ongoing intense fighting.

Consequently, residents of conflict-ridden areas like Gwa, Taungup, and Ann have escaped to mainland Myanmar, specifically Yangon, with a majority being women and children.

Since February this year, numerous Sittwe inhabitants have relocated their food stalls, restaurants, beauty salons, and clothing stores to Yangon. (Photo: Internet)