Ponna Kyunt city market, 16 miles north of RakhineState capital Sittwe, caught fire as the Burmese navy fired shells, said localresidents alleging it a ruthless behavior of the junta forces to the Rakhinepeople.

Two shells fired by the navy on Kalandan riverexploded inside the market at about 2:30 pm on 24 November. As the shells hitthe market building it caught fire and finally the whole market was destroyed.

A local resident informed Narinjara News that the firewas strong. The fire service could not control the flame for hours. It went oneven after three fire fighting trucks were engaged.

Shockingly, the column of Burmese army stationed inthe fire service compound initially did not allow the fire fighters to goinside and douse the fire.

“The fire fighters were notallowed to put out the fire initially. After 30 minutes, whenthey were allowed to go inside, the fire had already engulfed many shops. Thesoldiers deliberately made the people suffer," asserted a resident.

He stated that there are many private houses near themarket and the owners were worried about the safety of their properties.

"The fire wasso strong that we could not approach the market,” said another resident.

Details of the damage are yet tobe estimated. As there were about 300 shops in that market the damage was worthcrores.

Many locals allegethat the navy people deliberately fired shells on it. Major general Zaw MinTun, who was a  spokesperson of the military council, suspected thatit was a misfire from the part of navy personnel.