Junta authority suspends 2 inland waterways in northern Arakan

Narinjara News, 16 September 2022

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

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

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

A responsible officer informed that the instruction came from colonel Kyaw Thura, the minister of Rakhine state border and security affairs and the passengers, who purchased tickets in advance for the 15 September service, would be refunded.

"The inland water department directed us to stop the shipping lines except the Sittwe- Taungkot service for a while. We should come to know about further directions after some days,” he added.

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

The suspension of waterways is affecting the people’s movement in the coastal areas as many families depend on it, said a Mrauk U resident.  

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

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

Understanding that the AA members may check the ships, other vehicles and the owners had already received orders from the organization, the military council has taken the decision to suspend the waterways urgently.