Myanmar’s military regime has not lifted its restrictions on deliveries of food, medicines and building materials to nearly 50 villages in Darletchaung Village-tract, Ann Township, despite its recent ceasefire with the Arakan Army (AA).
The regime blockaded the waterways of Darletchaung Village-tract on October 13, followed by a road blockade on November 1. It has lifted travel restrictions since the first week of December, but still imposes limits on the amount of rice, medicines, cement and fuel that villagers can bring in.
“We can’t carry freely. They impose limits on rice as well as medicine one can bring into the area,” a resident of Darlet Myauk Village told DMG.
Delivery of cement is only permitted for the construction of schools, public healthcare facilities and religious buildings, and is not currently allowed for civilian houses or private construction projects.
“We asked checkpoints why we can’t carry cement and other materials. They do it at the instruction of upper-level authorities,” added the villager.
DMG was unable to reach junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun and Arakan State Security and Border Affairs Minister Colonel Kyaw Thura for comment.
Darletchaung residents have to pass three junta checkpoints if they are to travel to Kanhtaunggyi and Myebon by road, and pass one security checkpoint if they are to travel by boat.
Junta soldiers carry out tight checks at those checkpoints, and arrest anyone suspicious, said a resident of Darlet Anauk Village.
“They carry out tight checks on males. They check them against their citizenship ID cards. They have a list of names and arrest those who are on the list. I guess the list includes the names of those who they suspect of having ties to the AA,” said the resident.
Darletchaung Village-tract has a population of more than 12,000 people, most of whom are engaged in farming and collecting firewood for their livelihoods. Residents have to rely on Kanhtaunggyi for food supplies and other consumer goods.
Charity workers have stressed that the Myanmar military should not restrict deliveries of food and medical supplies to Arakan State residents during the ceasefire after many of them were seriously affected by the fighting, with some even dying for lack of medical attention.
“Our people will suffer more if they continue to block food and pharmaceutical supplies. If the military council is really desirous of the development of the country, it should allow delivery of all the legal things to anywhere, without any restrictions,” said well-known social activist Ko Ann Thargyi.
The regime blocked off roads and waterways in parts of Arakan State following the renewed fighting with the AA in August. It has reopened routes following the informal ceasefire on November 26, but has not lifted its ban on the delivery of some goods in certain areas.
