Junta soldiers arrest 3 fishermen in Kyaukphyu

Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 4 September 2024

The military junta forces arrested three fishermen from  Kyaukphyu township of Arakan State.

The arrested individuals include  Ko Saw Hla Maung (22 years old, hailing from Nga La Pwayt ward), U Mway Tun (32) and U Maung Khin Than (42) both from Kyan Chai village in Thit Poke Taung sub-township.

U Mway Tun and U Maung Khin Than were arrested from Thit Poke Taung naval base at around 2 pm on 1 September as they were setting fishing nets in Sit Taw village.

“They were fishing in the afternoon hours. Both of them were tied up and beaten. Later they were taken to  Thit Poke Taung naval base. The local residents are struggling to make a living and often risking their lives under the conditions,” said a local resident.

Ko Saw Hla Maung was arrested by the police and junta soldiers from the Nga La Pwayt creek bridge at around 8 pm on 1 September as he was returning from fishing.

“After fishing, the boats were stopped at the jetty near Nga La Pwayt bridge. He was about to go ashore when the police and soldiers arrested him,” added the resident.

It’s alleged that  arrested individuals remain traceless for their families.

Many people in Arakan State, who are arbitrarily arrested by the junta forces, go  missing. Some of them are charged and also imprisoned.

Kyaukphyu residents reported that the unta’s navy vessels fired small arms over the boatmen sailing at sea. Some fishermen were also arrested. The fishing nets are often confiscated and the owners are charged with fines.

In November 2023, when clashes erupted between the junta forces and Arakan Army fighters, the military junta banned Kyaukphyu residents from fishing at sea. It affected their livelihood severely, asserted the local residents.