Interview
Border News Agency
Maungdaw, August 8
People from the Mro ethnic group in Maungdaw Township rely on forests and mountains for their livelihoods, but they say they no longer dare to go there due to the danger of landmines.
They added that the Arakan Army has also warned people not to enter those areas because of the threat posed by armed so-called Rohingya extremists, and that landmines planted by the junta forces have not yet been cleared.
As a result, those who depend on forests and mountains for their survival are now facing significant livelihood hardships.
A Mro woman from Thiho Aye village, Maungdaw Township was interviewed by Border News Agency.
“There are many difficulties. I collect and sell bamboo shoots. Right now, we are not allowed to go into the forest. They are clearing the forests and mountains. Because the Arakan Army and our own people are dangerous, they don’t let us enter the forest. That’s why we face many hardships.”
“It’s not easy to sell either. I only find about two to four thikes worth of bamboo shoots a day. Making just enough to get by day by day is not convenient.”
“I collect snails. I earn about two to three thikes a day. Now that we cannot go into the forest, there are many difficulties.”
“It’s a little bit better now. Because they helped us during our difficulties, we are thankful to them. They provided some money, rice, and cooking oil in small amounts. But now, they haven’t sent anything yet. Today, rescue aid also arrived, and each person received 35,000 kyats.”
“It has been about two months since we were allowed to go into the forest. The Arakan Army came and warned us that there are ARSA extremists and landmines in the forest. That’s why they say they are conducting clearance operations.”
