Conflict-ridden Ma Gyi Ngu village deserted by residents due to fishing restrictions

Narinjara News, 21 October 2024

The residents of Ma Gyi Ngu village, located near Gwa town have temporarily relocated to the Ayeyarwady region to escape the conflicts. Moreover their livelihoods have become increasingly difficult due to the fishing restrictions.

"There are about 300 houses in this village, and all of the residents are fishermen by profession. Now that the fighting has reached Gwa town and the villagers fled to the Ayeyarwady region,” said a local resident.

Only a few elderly people remain at their houses.

The village was once accessible only by the waterway from Gwa, but the National League for Democracy (NLD) government constructed  a concrete bridge that made their  travel easier. The villagers could drive to Ngwe Taung Yan town whenever needed.

As the Arakan Army (AA) offensive reaches within 25 miles of Gwa, the residents from nearby villages are fleeing and many seeking shelter in Ayeyarwady locality.

There is a possibility that the AA fighters may capture Gwa and then they can  launch an offensive targeting Ayeyarwady also.

Now the  junta forces are enhancing security arrangements and preparing for military operations in Ngathainggyaung town and Ye Kyi township, which border Gwa.

Veteran Arakanese politician U Fe Than predicted that the AA could capture  Gwa as well as Chaung Thar,  Ngwe Saung,  Maw Tin, etc localities.