Narinjara News, 31 May, 2025 

Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, remains governed by the military council, and security has been intensified with many police and soldiers present during wartime in Rakhine. However, a Sittwe resident, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, informed Narinjara News that masked individuals are invading homes and stealing. 

"I prefer not to discuss theft. It has been occurring each day. Houses have not been robbed for a long time. It has been raining since yesterday, and it continues to rain today. Although we shout to one another, we are unable to hear each other because of the pouring rain. A bunch of masked individuals walked into our neighbor's home. They insisted on their demands under the threat of a knife. Gold and silver. They departed when homeowners provided them. They didn't hurt anyone," he stated. 

The event occurred on May 28, and various areas have also observed masked groups of thieves, looters, and intruders. 

Robberies have been occurring in Sittwe for an extended period. We are fearful of the lawless individuals responsible for these offenses. It is occurring not just in the city's suburbs but also in the neighborhoods of Lanmadaw, Odan, Kyabingyi, and Maalik. If the junta leaders truly care for the people while in power, they will enact justice. They must identify and penalize those responsible. I am concerned that this is happening even with the protection of numerous soldiers and police officers in Sittwe,” she said. 

A Sittwe elder mentioned that although the residents in Sittwe are fiercely battling for their daily sustenance and experiencing numerous challenges, they must remain alert because of the absence of law and order. 

“In any case, it’s important to remain watchful. Shut the doors at home. It's advisable to prevent anyone from knocking on the door. From the beginning, Sittwe has experienced a lack of law and order. Even the police are unresponsive to complaints from individuals.” 

He noted that because thefts and robberies have taken place as well, the military council ought to promptly apprehend and penalize the offenders. 

In Sittwe, still under military regime control, local residents have been explicitly forbidden from traveling to other areas except via air to Yangon; those caught face arrest and extortion. 

Residents reported that during the war, Sittwe experienced a deteriorating situation with local individuals being detained, homes being invaded, and thefts taking place. 

In Sittwe, where hostilities have eased, locals are said to be concerned about intense artillery fire from the junta’s installations in Sittwe this May.