ThinzarNwe, Narinjara News, 4 September 2024

Themilitary junta forces arrested three fishermen from  Kyaukphyu township ofArakan State.

Thearrested individuals include  Ko Saw Hla Maung (22 years old, hailing fromNga La Pwayt ward), U Mway Tun (32) and U Maung Khin Than (42) both from KyanChai village in Thit Poke Taung sub-township.

UMway Tun and U Maung Khin Than were arrested from Thit Poke Taung naval base ataround 2 pm on 1 September as they were setting fishing nets in Sit Tawvillage.

“Theywere fishing in the afternoon hours. Both of them were tied up and beaten.Later they were taken to  Thit Poke Taung naval base. The local residentsare struggling to make a living and often risking their lives under theconditions,” said a local resident.

KoSaw Hla Maung was arrested by the police and junta soldiers from the Nga LaPwayt creek bridge at around 8 pm on 1 September as he was returning fromfishing.

“Afterfishing, the boats were stopped at the jetty near Nga La Pwayt bridge. He wasabout to go ashore when the police and soldiers arrested him,” added theresident.

It’s alleged that  arrested individualsremain traceless for their families.

Manypeople in Arakan State, who are arbitrarily arrested by the junta forces, go missing. Some of them are charged and also imprisoned.

Kyaukphyuresidents reported that the unta’s navy vessels fired small arms over theboatmen sailing at sea. Some fishermen were also arrested. The fishing nets areoften confiscated and the owners are charged with fines.

InNovember 2023, when clashes erupted between the junta forces and Arakan Armyfighters, the military junta banned Kyaukphyu residents from fishing at sea. Itaffected their livelihood severely, asserted the local residents.