NarinjaraNews, 16 September2022

The juntaauthority has suspended two traffic waterways in northern Arakan (Rakhine) State from Thursday.

The decisionwas taken following a warning by the United League of Arakan (ULA, thepolitical wing of Arakan Army) over the road and water transports in thebackdrop of tense military situation in the State.

Thesuspended waterways include the Sittwe - Rathetaung –Buthidaung service (in northern Arakan) and the Sittwe – Pauk Taw –Min Bya service. 

A responsible officerinformed that the instruction came from colonel Kyaw Thura, theminister of Rakhine state border and security affairs and the passengers,who purchased tickets in advance for the 15 Septemberservice, would be refunded.

"Theinland water department directed us to stop the shipping linesexcept the Sittwe- Taungkot service for a while. We should cometo know about further directions after some days,” he added.

Though theSittwe- Taungup waterway is allowed and the Sittwe- Mrauk Uferry service had already been closed on 29 August.

Thesuspension of waterways is affecting the people’s movement inthe coastal areas as many families depend on it, said a Mrauk Uresident.  

“ The Mrauk U (an ancient city) and Sittwe (capital ofArakan State) waterways have been closed for over 17days. We believe the junta is doing it intentionally to punishthe Arakanese people who are suspected to be supportersof AA. But everyoneis suffering now,” he claimed.

Earlier,the ULA in a statement issued on 14 September, stated thatthe military council had sent a large numberof military personnel to their camps located in various partsof Rakhine State. Besides the warships, military vehicles, helicopters, theJunta authorities  also used commercial aircraft, private cars,motor boats, etc.

Understandingthat the AA members may check the ships, other vehicles andthe owners had already received orders from the organization, themilitary council has taken the decision to suspendthe waterways urgently.