AA Warns Against Illegal Fishing in Its Waters
Arakha Times, November 25, 2024
The Arakan Army (AA) issued a statement on November 20, warning that any individual caught illegally fishing in waters under its jurisdiction would face legal action.
On November 5, AA’s Coastal Security Unit apprehended approximately 60 fishing boats from Bangladesh illegally operating in AA-controlled waters. Among them, 15 boats—two motorized and 13 non-motorized—along with 20 Bangladeshi fishermen, were seized for investigation.
After two days of detention and questioning, the fishermen were handed over to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on November 7. According to AA, the fishermen, identified as impoverished individuals fishing for survival, were released upon signing agreements not to reenter AA waters illegally.
Of the 15 seized boats, seven were returned to the BGB, while the remaining eight are to be transferred once security conditions permit. AA noted that the delay in returning the boats is due to heightened military tensions in Maungdaw and the risk of aerial attacks from junta forces during transport
AA reiterated its stance against unauthorized fishing activities in its territory, emphasizing that offenders would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
This incident follows a similar case in October when AA detained and later returned five Bangladeshi fishermen to the BGB on October 10 after they were caught illegally fishing in AA-controlled waters.