Kant Kaw Ni Ni, Narinjara News, 27 March 2025

The junta's navy detained and charged nine fishermen who were earning a living by fishing in Kyaukphyu Township, which is still under junta rule in Arakan State.

The fishermen who have been apprehended include Maung Kyaw Lin Aung (17) and Ko Zin Min Htay (19) from Chin Min Pyin Village, Kyaukphyu Township, as well as Maung Doe Lak (17), U Kyaw Thu Tun (38), U Buthidaung (50), U Htay Htay (50), U Aung Thein (50), U Ba Khet (33), and U Nyi Doke from Kin Pin Lel Nar Village.

A local source informed Narinjara News that a junta navy ship detained the fishermen along with a fishing boat in the Kyaukphyu sea at 9:00 pm on March 22.

The anglers were out at sea fishing from two boats. Only one came back, while a naval ship seized the other. A total of nine fishermen have been detained, according to the source.

The junta's navy vessel transported the detained fishermen to Kyaukphyu Myoma Police Station on March 25, where they were accused of trespassing in the waters, the source noted.

"The fishermen are now facing charges for trespassing in waters at the Kyaukphyu Myoma Police Station," the source said.

Beginning in November 2023, following the outbreak of hostilities between the Arakan Army (AA) and military forces in Arakan State, the junta has been restricting local fishermen from fishing, unlawfully detaining them, demanding bribes, and imprisoning those unable to pay.

Human rights advocates have criticized these actions, asserting that the junta's tactics, such as prohibiting local fishermen from fishing in Arakan waters and detaining them without cause, amount to intentional war crimes intended to starve the local populace in Arakan State.

In the meantime, sources indicate that major fishing companies from the mainland, linked to the military junta, are permitted to operate in Arakan waters with protection from naval ships.