Narinjara News,December 2, 2022

Despite an informal ceasefire with the United League ofArakan/Arakan Army (ULA /AA) in Rakhine State, the military regime has continued to blockkey transport routes and prevent government employees from receiving their salaries inPonnagyun Township.

“The banks have said they don’thave cash, and that’s why we haven’treceived our salaries yet. No government employees and bank staff haven’tbeen paid yet,” a government servant requesting anonymity explained.

The regime has closed water and land routes betweenPonnagyun and Sittwe after the ULA/AA carried out a landmine attack near Padaythar and Sin InnGyi villages on November 10. Several civilians were killed when the military exchanged firewith the Arakan armed group after the attack in the township.

“We used to be able to travel by car from here to Sittwe,but now that the road is closed, it’s impossible tosend money by car,” said another government employee, who also wishes to remain anonymous. Hecriticised the regime for not paying them on time, while using helicopters todeliver salaries for its military personnel. Many people are worried about how they’llsupport their families if they don’t get their money soon.