Fishermen who fled the conflict in Rakhine State and sought refuge in Pathein Township, Ayeyarwady Region, report severe hardships due to a military-imposed fishing ban. The displaced fishermen revealed to Mizzima that restrictions on their fishing activities have left them struggling to survive.
A fisherman from Gwa Township stated that district administrators banned displaced fishermen from fishing in Chaungtha and Shwe Thaung Yan towns since late November. Officials cited concerns that their activities might disrupt local peace.
“When we first arrived here with our boats, we were allowed to fish. Now, all fishing rights have been taken away. I’m not sure whether it was the regional commander, the administrator, or the military security authorities who imposed the ban. They’re just giving vague explanations because they don’t want to restore fishing rights,” he said.
The displaced community consists of local fishermen from Gwa and Thandwe townships in Rakhine State. They fled the conflict in more than 70 boats, bringing with them approximately 1,000 fishermen and their family members.
These fishermen have been struggling to make ends meet since the ban. They report facing extortion by military subordinates and other authorities. Another fisherman explained that they are currently relying on advance payments from boat owners to cover basic expenses.
“In the long run, the boat owners won’t be able to continue providing advances. This isn’t our hometown, and we’re already struggling with rent and food expenses,” he said.
Efforts by boat owners to negotiate the restoration of fishing rights have so far been unsuccessful, leaving the ban firmly in place. The junta’s restrictions have added to the economic woes of the displaced community.
In July, the junta issued a directive instructing police and local administrators to monitor displaced persons from Rakhine State entering the Ayeyarwady Region. This directive has further compounded the challenges faced by those fleeing the conflict.