CNI News

23 December 2024

In some townships in Ayeyarwady Region, which borders Rakhine State, security is deteriorating, which caused difficulties for businesses, according to locals. 

Gwa Township in Rakhine Township where the battles are breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army, is the nearest town to Ayeyarwady Region and as Rakhine locals entered Ayeyarwady Region as IDPs, the security in the region has become weak and checks are being tightened. 

For security, the Myanmar Tatmadaw is recruiting, an anonymous local from Ayeyarwady Region told CNI News.

While the government of Ayeyarwady Region is making checks

" The security situation in NgathaingGyaung and Tharbaung Townships close to Gwa in Rakhine State as well as Yegyi, Ingapu, Myanaung and Kyangin Townships is a little worrying. Because all traffic has been controlled, it's a bit of a burden for locals to live, eat, travel, and come and go. Moreover, because youths are called up for military service if necessary, it's a bit weak in the security of the villages in the townships adjacent to Rakhine State." he said.

Moreover, the authorities reportedly don't allow the people holding 11/ national verification cards in Ngwe Thaung Yan Township.

So, Rakhine IDPs have to stay in the temporary huts, said locals. 

Because the authorities are worried that the AA forces will enter Ayeyarwady Region with IDPs, there are strict checks on entry/exit to the towns. So, locals are finding it difficult in their transportation and businesses.

While seeing the entrance to Pathein City

The people in the eastern parts of the Rakhine Yoma were finding it more difficult, said a local to CNI News. 

“The eastern part of the Yoma is inside Ayeyarwady Region where locals gather firewood, bake charcoal and plant perennial fruit trees. Now because their livelihood is not convenient. On the other hand, as the authorities are carrying out strict security measures, locals can't gather firewood or bake charcoal freely." he said.

At present, the AA has blocked the Gwa-NgathaingGyaung Road to prevent the arrival of Myanmar Army reinforcements while the Myanmar Tatmadaw is preventing the arrival of commodities to Rakhine State from Ayeyarwady Region.