Ongoing clashes between military junta forces and armed activists have exacerbated food shortages in several regions in the country, said local media reports.
Quoting residents from the Karenni and Chin states, the Kantarawaddy Times said the fighting has driven up prices dramatically, making life difficult for people, even in areas where there are no fighting.
The report said that although people have money, it is still difficult for them to buy basic necessities, including rice and vegetables.
Traders said it is “dangerous” to travel to other towns.
“I have lost a lot of money because we cannot travel to sell our vegetables and fruits,” said a local trader.
A bag of rice costs at least US$28, four eggs at US$0.60, and cooking oil at US$4.50.
Migrant workers could not leave their homes to work in other states because of the conflict. “At the moment everything is expensive and food prices are rising,” said one resident.
A Salesian nun who asked not to be named for security reasons said people hide in the forest during the night for fear of the soldiers.
Meanwhile, Radio Free Asia reported that more than three-quarters of the members of Myanmar’s deposed National League for Democracy who were earlier arrested by the junta remain in detention more than 11 months after the military seized power.
Since the February 1 coup, junta security forces have arrested 649 NLD members, including Aung San Suu Kyi and former president Win Myint, the party said in a statement over the weekend.
While some have been released, at least 489 are still being held in prisons throughout the country, it said, adding that the number could be much higher.
