Crime surges in junta-held Kyaukphyu, locals say

By Admin 02 Jul 2025

DMG Newsroom

2 July 2025, Kyaukphyu

Local residents told DMG that crimes such as theft, looting, rioting, and terrorist threats are on the rise in Kyaukphyu, Arakan State, which is still under the control of the military regime.

According to a DMG investigation, there were 12 cases of mobile phone and wallet thefts in Pyinphyumaw, Ngalapwe, Alelpine and Asoeya wards in Kyaukphyu last month.

Junta soldiers and police are focusing on randomly checking pedestrians and entering homes to check guest lists, while ignoring crimes reported by locals, said a local man.

"Junta soldiers and police are not interested in anything except the Arakan Army (AA), so criminals commit crimes. Some criminals are encouraged by the military, which makes residents in Kyaukphyu even more afraid of junta soldiers and police," the man explained.

When fighting began in Kyaukphyu Township in February, hundreds of local people fled their homes, leaving only the grassroots and junta employees in the town.

At least 30 unoccupied houses in three Kyaukphyu wards have been burgled, some have been demolished, and residents say they no longer feel safe due to the increasing crime rate.

"In the past, if you reported theft or robbery, the police would pretend to arrest the perpetrators and then release them. Now, when people who report theft or robbery to the police are in danger and are increasingly being attacked, they no longer have the courage to report it," said another local man in Kyaukphyu.

It is also reported that some local women in Kyaukphyu are subjected to physical abuse and sexual harassment.

According to an investigation by DMG, there were at least seven cases of physical harassment and sexual assault against women in Kyaukphyu town from May through June.

"There are incidents of criminals breaking into houses at night and sexually harassing women everywhere. Hearing this news, women who do not have husbands at home do not sleep well at night. We often hear about women walking by being harassed by men who say things they do not want to hear," said a local woman.

Kyaukphyu is currently under the military regime's control, but the Arakan Army (AA) has blocked access to the island town. The junta administrative apparatus in Kyaukphyu is no longer functioning properly and crime is rife, with local people saying they lack security and legal protections.