Narinjara News, 17 August  2022

The general administration of Sittwe, the capital city of Rakhine State, is getting worse day by day under the present military council as incidents of murders,robbery & thefts along with drug traffickingincrease.

From 1  January till 15 August, Sittwe witnessed  as many as 19 stabbing cases. Out of the injuredpersons, 11 have already diedand 8 were injured, said Golden Love Foundation, a social organization.

The number is about 3 times higher than the previous year before the military council seized power. Thejunta authority remains reluctant toaddress the issue.

On 15  August, a 18-year-old woman was  stabbed to death in Sittwe, but the authorities are yet to identifythe culprits.

Many observers believe that the deterioration of law and order situation across Arakan State isbecause of the ongoing parallel administrationrun by both the military council and Arakan Army.

The AA authority controls more areas in the northern part of Arakan State and the military council islosing space in rural areas.

Now the anti-social elements are taking advantage of the situation. Drug traffickers are roaming with theirproducts including Yaba pills inSittwe. Many poor families are lured into joining the illegal profession.

Increase in circulation of illegal drug among youths has resulted in more number of incidents related tomurders, robbery & thefts. The motorcyclesand cellphones are being targeted by the thieves. The wallets, jewelleries are also being robbed from the residents of Sittwe.

Ma Aung Myint Than, a resident of Sittwe said that they are afraid of going outside alone.

“I usually go out with my friends. Also I avoid the night hours. Currently we keep our doors alwayslocked from inside,” she added.