- Web Master
- May 18, 2024
The junta forces in Thandwe township of Rakhine State have banned the import of
medicines and they are now seizing imported medicines.
"Now, the military junta has banned importing the medicines. This month,
all imported drugs were seized, including those ordered from the mainland, by
the military battalions. We don't know why medicines are being seized,"
said a pharmacy owner in Thandwe.
He also mentioned that the junta has recently banned
the import of medicines to Thandwe locality. The medicines brought by
aeroplanes are also seized primarily by the 566th light infantry battalion near
Thandwe airport and 55th infantry battalion near the intersection of Ngapali
road.
A female resident of Thandwe expressed concern over
the ban saying that her grandchildren frequently fall ill and need regular
medication.
“If we run out of medicines, it will create a major
problem as it may endanger the lives of many ailing persons especially
the children. Now the pharmacies are selling only a limited number of
medicines," she added.
Due to the military junta's restriction on roads
towards Thandwe, a shortage of food items is observed. Many trucks
transporting food items from Gwa to Thandwe were recently seized.
The junta's checkpoints are also creating troubles for
the motorbike riders who carry food items. The roads remain closed for around
four months since the gun fighting started in the Rakhine region.
“Before the clashes there were a few incidents of
arrest. Now the junta soldiers start seizing the food items
transported from Gwa. It's unclear why they have taken the step. We suspect
that the soldiers believe the food items are going to Arakha Army members.
Meanwhile, the price of goods has risen in the locality,” she stated.
Many residents have fled from their places due to fear
of gun fighting in Thandwe locality. The poor families, particularly the
fishermen, are facing more problems and some of them now start
begging for survival.
Since the conflict reignited in Rakhine on 13 November
2023, the junta forces have closed all roads in the State. It leads to various
difficulties for the residents. They are now facing the price rise for
essential commodities and thus encountering a livelihood crisis.