Junta forces start seizing imported medicines in Thandwe

The junta forces in Thandwe township of Rakhine State have banned the import of medicines and they are now seizing imported medicines.

"Now, the military junta has banned importing the medicines. This month, all imported drugs were seized, including those ordered from the mainland, by the military battalions. We don't know why medicines are being seized," said a pharmacy owner in Thandwe.

He also mentioned that the junta has recently banned the import of medicines to Thandwe locality. The medicines brought by aeroplanes are also seized primarily by the 566th light infantry battalion near Thandwe airport and 55th infantry battalion near the intersection of Ngapali road.

A female resident of Thandwe expressed concern over the ban saying that her grandchildren frequently fall ill and need regular medication.

“If we run out of medicines, it will create a major problem as it may endanger  the lives of many ailing persons especially the children. Now the pharmacies are  selling only a limited number of medicines," she added.

Due to the military junta's restriction on roads towards Thandwe, a shortage of food items is observed. Many  trucks transporting food items from Gwa to Thandwe were recently seized.

The junta's checkpoints are also creating troubles for the motorbike riders who carry food items. The roads remain closed for around four  months since the gun fighting started in the Rakhine region.

“Before the clashes there were a few incidents of  arrest. Now the junta soldiers start  seizing the food items transported from Gwa. It's unclear why they have taken the step. We suspect that the soldiers believe the food items are going to Arakha Army members. Meanwhile, the  price of goods has risen in the locality,” she stated.

Many residents have fled from their places due to fear of gun fighting in Thandwe locality. The poor families, particularly the fishermen,  are facing more problems and some of them now start  begging for survival.

Since the conflict reignited in Rakhine on 13 November 2023, the junta forces have closed all roads in the State. It leads to various difficulties for the residents. They are now facing the price rise for essential commodities and thus encountering a livelihood crisis.