Ferryboats allowed to resume operations from Sittwe

01 Jul 2022

DMG Newsroom
1 July 2022, Sittwe

Ferryboats and cargo vessels that were barred from leaving the Arakan State capital Sittwe for a week have been allowed to resume operations as of July 2, according to the Shwe Pyi Tan ferryboat service.

After a Myanmar navy officer and sailor were abducted by the Arakan Army (AA) on June 23, the regime the following day ordered the suspension of ferry services operating between Sittwe and other townships, citing security concerns.

The ban has severely disrupted commodity flows and created many hassles, said residents.

“The Department of Marine Administration has informed us that we can resume our operations as of July 2. We will operate as per the normal schedule,” manager U San Maw Thein of the Shwe Pyi Tan ferry service told DMG.

“But we are told that some government departments will carry out checks at ports. They did make checks in the past, but only occasionally. I have no idea why they will be carrying out checks,” he added.

As Arakan State is a largely coastal and riverine region, the suspension of ferry services has negatively affected residents in several townships. Some distance learners from other parts of Arakan State who took semester exams at Sittwe University found themselves stranded due to the ban.

“I am happy that ferryboat services will resume operations. But I am concerned about how government departments will check at ports. It is quite unusual,” said a Sittwe resident.

Amid rising tensions with the Arakan Army, the military has tightened checks on travellers in Arakan State, and has made several arrests. The regime detained more than 40 civilians in Arakan State last month, after the Arakan Army seized over 10 junta personnel in Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U and Sittwe townships.