Myanmar junta restricts Muslims fishing
This development follows a wave of militia training, which has prompted many Muslims to leave the area
SITTWE, Burma (MNTV) – The military junta in Burma, also called Myanmar, is imposing fishing restrictions on Muslims in Sittwe Township.
This development follows a wave of militia training, which has prompted many Muslims to leave the area, reports Burma News International.
Since November 2023, when hostilities resumed between the Arakan Army and junta forces in Rakhine state, local fishermen have lost access to near-shore fishing. In the past, Muslim fishermen were still allowed to continue their fishing activities.
A fisherman from Thae Chaung village said that the junta has also prohibited Muslim fishermen in Sittwe Township from fishing.
“I haven’t been able to fish for nearly two weeks now. The naval patrols in the sea stop me from going out, citing limits on Muslims because of the rising army desertions,” he said.
Although there is a fishing prohibition, some still fish for subsistence. These boats have reportedly come under fire from the navy.
“If we can’t catch fish, how can we survive? Some have resorted to sneaking out at night, risking gunfire. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries,” he stated.
In certain areas, some Muslim fishing boats are permitted to fish, but only after paying a fee.
“On the 12th of this month, I was compelled to pay one and a half lakh MMK ($71), as they demanded,” said another fisherman.
Access to the city remains limited, and residents have noted a rise in difficulties related to their livelihoods and increased poaching due to limited fishing opportunities.
Travel to other townships in Rakhine from Sittwe, aside from the Sittwe-Yangon air route, has also been restricted. This has led to exorbitant prices of goods, leading to food scarcity for residents stuck in Sittwe, said a Marama Gyi woman.
“At night, people go to bed early out of fear and reluctance to go outside. Starvation is becoming a pressing issue, with some even sneaking out during the day. This cannot continue because people need food. The situation is gradually getting worse,” she concluded.
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