In the aftermath of the February 1 coup, Myanmar’s political, economic and conflict dynamics have been deteriorating and could be headed for a “worst case scenario,” warned Yebaw Myo Win, vice chairman of the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF) and a spokesperson for the Peace Process Steering Team (PPST). 

Recent prison sentences handed down against former President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi — and a swift halving of those sentences by the junta chief — have further undermined confidence in Myanmar’s justice system under military rule.

Myanmar activists have criticised the new ASEAN chair for arranging a meeting with the Myanmar military council leader, saying it will be in vain for the international community.

Fifteen cases of Covid-19 were reported in Arakan State from December 1-8, according to the state’s Covid-19 Monitoring Group.

More than 30 species of migratory birds have arrived in Arakan State this winter, according to an environmental conservation group in the state.

Ko Sein Chit, a social acitivist from Arakan State’s Thandwe Township who is facing charges under the Counter-Terrorism Law, is being provided medical treatment in Thandwe Prison as he is suffering from a gastric illness, according to his lawyer. 

About 60 soldiers visited Kin Seik village, in Arakan State’s Mrauk-U Township, for more than two hours on December 8, villagers said.

The number of visitors to Point Beach in Sittwe has reportedly been increasing on weekends, with the Arakan State regime council reminding beachgoers that they are expected to adhere to Covid-19 preventive regulations.

The initial trial of a freshwater shrimp hatchery in Arakan State was a resounding success, said the state’s Department of Fisheries, with preparations being made to proceed with more freshwater shrimp breeding in the coming year.

Farmers in Arakan State who are in the midst of harvesting monsoon paddy are worried about potential damage to their crops as the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has forecast unseasonal rains over the next 48 hours. 

The Arakan State High Court will decide at an upcoming hearing whether to reduce the sentences of four students in Arakan State who are facing more than two years in prison for an October 2020 anti-war protest. 

The current conduct of Myanmar’s military regime could lead to difficulties in attaining a resolution to the country’s political crisis, said Nai Aung Ma Ngay, acting leader of the Peace Process Steering Team (PPST). 

Former President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi were each sentenced to four years’ imprisonment at a hearing on December 6 by a special junta court in the capital Naypyidaw, before having those sentences halved by junta supremo Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, according to state media. 

At least two people were killed and several others injured and arrested after a military truck rammed into a crowd of protesters in Kyimyindaing Township, Yangon, at about 8 a.m. on December 5.

Pilgrims and locals have expressed concern as the Myanmar military and police are conducting security checks along the historical Sandawshin Pagoda Road in Pauktaw Township, Arakan State.

The local administration in Mya Yeik Kyun village-tract, part of Arakan State’s Mrauk-U Township, is charging people K1,500 to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, with the money ostensibly going to pay for the needs of healthcare staff administering the shots. 

At least eight people in Arakan State — six from Thandwe District and one each from Mrauk-U and Kyaukphyu districts — have been arrested on suspicion of People’s Defence Force (PDF) affiliations and charged under the Counter-Terrorism Law. 

A total of K597 million ($334,645) in loans have not been repaid in the eight years since the Emerald Green Project was launched for rural populations in 2014-15, according to the state’s Department of Rural Development (DRD).

A series of thefts and robberies have taken place in the Arakan State capital Sittwe, with residents in some wards feeling compelled to hire nighttime guards to protect their neighbourhoods.