- Web Master
- October 01, 2024
Locals stated that in the sea close to Zin Chaung
sub-township, Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, there was a firefight between a
junta navy vessel and the Arakan Army (AA).
The junta forbids local fishermen from fishing in the waters
off Arakan, particularly Kyaukphyu.
Large mainland fishing boats, such as ones from Pathein and
Yangon, are permitted to operate in the interim under the protection of navy
ships.
According to residents, the AA fired artillery munitions at
these fishing boats, resulting in an armed clash between both sides.
The locals are not allowed to fish in the sea,
according to the junta. Navy ships fire at them as they try to do so. On the
other hand, the navy lets big fishing vessels that come from Pathein and Yangon
fish unhindered. The nearby navy warship replied when the Arakan Army (AA)
opened fire on those large fishing vessels, according to a local.
On October 2, at around 2:00 pm, there was a firefight. The
fishing boats and the junta navy vessel left the region after the encounter.
According to a different resident of Kyaukphyu, the
navy ship responded by firing artillery munitions in Zin Chaung sub-township,
about eight nautical miles away.
He told Narinjara News, "There was an exchange of
fire between that navy vessel and the AA about eight nautical miles off Zin
Chaung."
The local fishing industries in Kyaukphyu, Sittwe, and
Thandwe, as well as those operating in the seas and rivers of Arakan, have been
prohibited by the junta since the beginning of the Arakan conflict in November
2023. On the other hand, locals claim that fishing vessels from Dawei, Pathein,
and Yangon have been given authorization to use these waters.
In addition, fishing boats from Arakan are being
targeted and detained by junta navy ships stationed at sea, in addition to
being fired upon and arrested. These boats are fishing in rivers close to the
communities.
While establishing fishing nets in Sit Taw village,
Kyaukphyu Township, on September 1, junta navy troops detained U Mway Tun, 32,
and U Khin Maung Than, 42, from Kyan Chai village in Thit Poke Taung
sub-township, along with Ko Saw Hla Maung, 22, from Nga La Pyawt ward.
Local fishing businesses
are free to operate in the waters off townships under the Arakan Army's (AA)
jurisdiction.
Photo: A junta naval vessel from the Dhanyawadi naval
base in Arakan. (old photo)