The fishery sector on the western Burma border near Bangladesh is suffering because of operations by the Burmese Army against robbers, said a fishing boat owner.

"The army authorities ordered all fishing boat owners in southern Maungdaw Township along the Naff River to avoid going to sea after a robbery in Rathidaung Township," he said.

Rathidaung Township is located south of Maungdaw Township and a major robbery took place there on 3 October, where over 30 million Kyats from villagers' were stolen.

The source said, over 20 robbers entered Rathidaung from Bangladesh by crossing the Naff River in row boats. Later, they crossed the Mayu Range and robbed the frontier village of Chut Byin in Rathidaung.

Even though Chut Byin is located in the frontier area of Rathidaung, it is near both Nasaka and police stations.

"The army authorities also blocked all passes along the Mayu Range to prevent the robbers from fleeing to Bangladesh. Soldiers are combing the jungle to find them. Many local people are now staying indoors and not going outside for work," the fishing boat owner said.

In northern Arakan State, there have been many cross-border robberies since January this year. Some robbers were recently executed by Burmese authorities after being caught, but other robbers continue to operate in the area.

According to a police source, many of the robberies along the border area were committed by Burmese Muslims, who stay in Bangladesh territory. They enter Burma after crossing the Naff River in row boats.