CNI News
15 Sept 2022
As the Tatmadaw has been reinforcing its troops in Rakhine State via land, water and air routes, the Arakan Army is planning to conduct stop and search operations along waterways. Such blockade of waterways may pose a threat to livelihoods, according to residents and business people in Rakhine State.
Residents are relying on waterways as roads have been blocked in Rathedaung Township for three months. Blocking waterways poses a threat to livelihoods of the grassroots, U Kyaw Min Khaing, a resident of Rathedaung, told the CNI.
He said, “We have to rely on waterways for trade. If waterways are blocked, people in the entire township will be under siege. This will affect all three social classes but the grassroots will bear the brunt. They are struggling for their lives every day. They will face difficulty for their daily needs amid rising prices. The other two social classes can survive without worrying about their daily needs.”
A vessel operating in Rakhine State. (MOI)
The AA announced on 14th September that it would conduct stop and search operations vehicles and vessel along roads and waterways used by the Tatmadaw.
Vessels plying in Rakhine State have suspended their operations indefinitely, according to residents.
Commodity prices will skyrocket due to suspension of water transport and residents will have difficulty for their daily needs, Secretary Ko Aung Aung of the Rakhine State Chamber of Commerce and Industry told the CNI.
He said, “The most important issue is the daily needs of the people. If the commodity flow is smooth, prices will not rise. People can go to their worksites. At least, they have no problems for their daily needs. Some people rely on transportation for their livelihoods. Commodities are very expensive in Maungdaw. Imposing restrictions on transportation of goods will push up prices. We cannot import goods from the other country and we cannot export goods to it as well. The public is in trouble. We don’t know what will happen. We are closely watching the situation.”
Water transport to and from Sittwe has not been suspended until 15th September, according to Ko Aung Aung.
As commodity prices are rising, people in the entire country face difficulty for their daily needs, crimes have become rampant.
