Kyaukpru, Arakan State :  The Burmese Navy has been forcing fishermen to work in the Dayawaddi naval base in Kyaukpru since July 15, according to official.  

The "Kyun Thaya" naval outpost on the border of Maybon-Kyaukpru townships under the Dayawaddi naval base was destroyed due to heavy rain and storms between May 13 and 16. The camp was beautiful and officers from Dayawaddi naval headquarters frequently visit the camp for a break. It also has some villages where fishermen live.

The Dayawaddy naval base in Kyaukpru Town is the second biggest naval base in Arakan State .

On July 15, navy personnel from " Kyun Thaya" naval outpost 533, went to the Bay of Bengal to arrest fishermen while they were fishing in the sea for over two to three days. The arrested fishermen and their engine boats were brought to "Kyun Thaya" naval base for forced labor since July 15, said a fishermen on condition of anonymity.

The fishermen were forced to work in the base where many structures were destroyed during the storm and heavy rain.

The fishing boats were anchored near the naval camp and the fish the fishermen caught started rotting, with the naval authorities paying no heed.   

Most of the fishermen are from Kyun Thaya Island villages and belong to Rakhine and Rohingya communities.