Kant Kaw Ni Ni, 8 March 2025

The Arakan Army (AA) has locked down over 30 houses in Taungup Town, Arakan State, including the home and assets of notable entrepreneur U Kyauk Taung.

A local informant in Taungup Town informed Narinjara News that the AA sealed off the residences of those who persisted in trading with the junta and its supporters, including the properties of U Kyauk Taung.

"It is accurate the houses were sealed off, which includes U Kyauk Taung's residence and all his possessions," the source stated.

The residences of junta government officials, who left Taungup Town after retaining their junta-appointed roles during the fighting in the region, were also included among those sealed.

U Kyauk Taung owns Nay La Thitsar Company and Htar Wa Ra Aung Myay Company. He additionally manages the Gone Dana shipyard located in Taungup Town, alongside various other enterprises. He is a significant individual in the trade between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

A different local source, associated with the AA, informed Narinjara News, "Every home and property in U Kyauk Taung has been sealed off. The residences of other entrepreneurs who persist in working with the junta have also been sealed off.”

After hostilities erupted, U Kyauk Taung moved to Yangon, where he continued collaborating with the junta and stayed involved in Myanmar-Bangladesh trade.

On January 16, the AA apprehended three vessels, including U Kyauk Taung's "Htaik Htar Thakhin," in the Naf River for examination as they departed from Yangon Port heading to Teknaf Port in Bangladesh.

A few days later, the AA set free two of the three vessels, and U Kyauk Taung's boat, "Htaik Htar Thakhin," was released on February 1.

Narinjara News contacted AA Information Officer U Khaing Thukha to verify the sealing of over 30 homes in Taungup Town, including U Kyauk Taung's residence and assets, but has not received a reply so far.

The AA has also blocked access to government buildings and the residences of junta associates engaged in business with the military in Maungdaw Town, located on the western border of Arakan State.

A resident from Maungdaw mentioned that the actions of the AA targeted not only the residences of Muslim entrepreneurs but also those of Arakanese entrepreneurs and important government buildings.

In Maungdaw Township, the AA has sealed off over 30 residences owned by Arakanese and Muslim people, in addition to more than 10 junta offices.

Community members indicated that vinyl signage stating "This building is owned by the Arakan People's Government (Do Not Trespass) / By the Arakan People's Government" has been placed on residences and former junta offices sealed off by the AA.