Rakhine businesses collapse under AA terrorists; mass exodus to Yangon
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Khit/Yoon (NP News) - Nov 4
A prominent businessman from Kyaukphyu told NP News that nearly all business owners in Rakhine State are finding it difficult to stay in operation, leading many to relocate to Yangon.
Reports indicate that the AA has initiated attacks and seized control of multiple townships in Rakhine State, with ongoing conflicts. This, coupled with the lack of provisions for locals in AA-controlled areas, including food security, education, and healthcare, has made it increasingly challenging for businesses to operate sustainably.
Furthermore, it is reported that due to the lack of goods flow, nearly all businesses have relocated to Yangon for long-term sustainability. Observing this relocation trend, it appears that business owners lack confidence in the AA’s governance.
“In Rakhine, their investments and jobs have come to a complete halt. Almost everyone has moved to Yangon, setting up whatever businesses and jobs they can find. There’s nothing left to earn a living from. In Sittwe, it’s the same day or night. There’s no access to Thandwe either. In Kyaukphyu, you can’t go outside the town, and no one can enter. Fishing permits are no longer available. There’s no transportation of any kind, no income sources, making long-term survival challenging. There’s no flow of goods at all. Even in the hospitals, there’s a shortage of basic supplies like bandages, and they don’t allow any imports,” said a businessman from Kyaukphyu.
Reports indicate that last September's floods and clashes in Rakhine State damaged multiple electricity towers, leading to ongoing power outages. This has left primarily lower-income rural communities and small-scale urban workers struggling to secure basic necessities for their livelihoods.
“There are no more large or small business owners left. Now, it’s only the people from rural villages with nowhere to escape and the remaining small-scale workers in the towns. They’re also struggling severely. They can’t get cooking oil, fuel, or even medicine. It’s extremely hard for them to manage basic living needs. They’re just trying to get by with whatever they can find,” said the businessman.
Reports indicate that the AA has recently been involved in battles to expand its control over southern Rakhine State, while the military has responded with airstrikes. –