Narinjara News, 10 January 2025

The Shwe La Min-5 cargo ship, carrying over 270 passengers including several displaced individuals, which was barred by the junta’s navy on the sea, arrived in Yangon jetty after 10 days of detention.

The cargo ship headed to Yangon from Manaung of Rakhine State and it reached Bayin Naung harbor of Yangon on 8 January.

The ship, which carried IDPs  from Manaung, Taungup and Kyaukphyu townships, was intercepted by the junta forces near Hainggyi island on 27 December. After delaying for 10 days, the ship was permitted to proceed towards Yangon on 6 January last.

"They were stopped at the sea near Pammawady naval base headquarters in  Hainggyi island and left stranded on the ship for 10 days. Finally they have arrived in Yangon," said a person who is helping the displaced individuals.

The Junta authority has strictly prohibited the traveling of Arakanese nationals through the water and land routes in between Arakan State and Burma proper  since the war resumed on 13 November last year. So many Arakanese people were secretly leaving for Yangon by the water routes offering bribes to the concerned officials.

Besides the displaced people, the Shwe La Min-5 ship carried many elderly passengers traveling to Yangon for medical purposes.

Each passenger had to pay Kyats  400,000 (equivalent to USD 90) for the trip.

The junta’s decision to block the ship was understood to be related to its strict travel restrictions on the Arakanese people.