Over 500 clashes took place in territory controlled by the Karen National Union (KNU) in March, killing more than 50 locals, according to a source close to the ethnic armed organisation’s militant wing, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA).

Former Arakan State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu and his subordinate municipal minister U Min Aung, facing charges under the Penal Code for alleged election-related violations, were convicted on two counts Wednesday in the latest legal troubles for the two men under Myanmar’s military regime.

Homes have been damaged by artillery shelling in some villages of Kayah State’s Demoso Township over recent days, according to sources on the ground.

Brick manufacturers in Arakan State’s Manaung Township have suffered losses due to recent rains.

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Arakan State’s Ramree Township have mobilised local residents to dredge the Tan Creek, which flows through the town.

Fifteen million methamphetamine pills imprinted with the letters WY were recently seized at a military checkpoint in Ann Township, Arakan State on April 5, according to the chief of the Ann Township police force, Police Captain Myo Kyi.

In a wide-ranging press conference on Tuesday, the Arakan Army insisted it has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to corruption; invited more Arakanese intellectuals to join its cause; and warned that conflict in Arakan State could flare anew if Myanmar’s military regime interferes in AA efforts to establish an administrative apparatus and judiciary separate from the junta’s own. 

A local man from Paletwa Township, Chin State, who was detained by the Myanmar military on incitement charges late last year, was sentenced to three years in prison with hard labour by the township court on Tuesday, according to a family member.

The Arakan Army (AA) says it has taken action against two individuals involved in what the ethnic armed group described as an investigation into Mrauk-U resident U Maung Gyi Hla, who reportedly died during interrogation last month. 

The Arakan Army (AA) has accused Myanmar’s military regime of sabotaging its efforts to achieve harmony between Buddhist and Muslim communities in conflict-torn Arakan State. 

Since its coup last year, Myanmar’s military regime has required suppliers to seek its approval to bring certain goods into Arakan State, severely affecting businesses and disrupting commodity flows; an issue that the Arakan Army (AA) addressed in a wide-ranging press conference on Tuesday.

An 18-year-old woman from Thingaga village, Minbya Township, jumped from the Rar Maung Bridge on Sunday afternoon and has not been found yet, according to locals.

Myanmar’s military regime has adjusted the time frame for a nationwide three-month ban on offshore fishing, bringing forward the ban from May to April.

Fighting on April 4 between coalition forces of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and the Myanmar military along the Asia Highway in Kayin State, resulted in the destruction of some passing vehicles, locals said.

Beginning this month, food items will once again be supplied to camps for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Arakan State where those supplies had been lacking, said U Hla Thein, a spokesman for the Arakan State Administration Council.

A growing number of counterfeit banknotes have been found in circulation in Arakan State, according to cash handlers who have personally dealt with fake bills.

All-inclusive dialogue is needed to address the current situation in Myanmar, the Peace Process Steering Team (PPST) told a press conference on April 4, following the latest meeting of PPST leaders.

Arakan State residents have complained about Chinese space debris that has frequently landed in waters off the coast of Arakan State, expressing concerns about possible impacts on the local marine ecosystem. 

Fish are being dumped as there is not enough ice from ice suppliers due to frequent power outages in Arakan State’s Ramree Township.