Junta extends fishing ban in Kyaukphyu for additional 2 months

 The military junta has extended a ban on fishing in Kyaukphyu township of Rakhine (Arakan) State for two more months, causing hardship for the Rakhine people who depend on the sea for their livelihood.

The junta's ban includes Kyaukphyu along with the villages adjacent to the sea and rivers.

The fishing is prohibited in Leik Kha Maw village-tract, Gone Chwein village-tract, Nat Kyauk beach, Seik island, Sasana 2500 beach, Zedi ward, Ah Soe Ya ward, Tan Pan Chaung ward, Myit Nar Tan ward, Kular Pike Seik ward, Pyin Phyu Maw district, Ka Nyin Taw district, Nga La Pwayt district, Ohn Chaung creek, Saing Chone village-tract, Aung Zedi village, Kat Tha Pyay village-tract, Kandi village-tract, coastal areas bordering the town and Thanzit river along with water areas and boundaries.

The local residents are prohibited from travelling or fishing by manual boats or  motorboats, and bypassing or docking manual boats, motorboats (large/small) or long-distance fishing boats, said a junta statement.

It underscored that people must adhere to the prohibition order without violations and warned that strict actions will be taken in accordance with the existing laws in case of violations.

The order is valid from the date of publication till 19 April next. It was issued by the Kyaukphyu township administrator on 20 February.

Since the Arakan Army (AA) launched its attack on 13 November 2023, the junta has been facing defeats in many battles. Now they have prohibited the fishing activities in the township to create troubles for the local fishermen.