Mrauk-U pregnant woman kills self due to livelihood struggles

Kyaing Hein Lin, Narinjara News, 13 August 2024

A pregnant woman from Mrauk-U township of Arakan State died from self-poisoning due to severe livelihood struggles. The victim has been identified as Ma May U Lwin (25), haled from Nyaung Pin Lel village.

A resident told Narinjara News that she killed herself following a minor argument with her husband on the evening of 10 August.

"They were poor and struggling to get enough food. This led to an argument with her husband. Although they avoid arguments, the hardships caused her distress, which finally led her to self-poisoning," added the resident.

He also informed  she had to suffer all night from stomach pains.

She died on 11 August  as the family had no money to shift her from Mrauk-U to the clinic by a boat.

The lady was five months pregnant and had a five-year-old son.

On 25 July, a middle aged woman from Ah Lel Kyun village under  Nga Man Ye Kyun village-tract of  Myebon township died by jumping into the river from a small jetty.

Similarly, on 1 July, a newly-wed young couple, who fled the conflict in Yoe Ngu village under  Ponnagyun township, died by hanging due to struggles in their livelihood.

The ongoing fighting in Arakan State has led the military junta to block the land and waterways and it has disrupted the flow of goods causing price rises for every commodity.

The  lack of job opportunities in the region has also worsened the livelihood of locals,  leading to a significant psychological distress among the residents.