Saint Martin is practically isolated from Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar. There have been three firings from Myanmar in the last one week. The waterway is closed due to panic. With the food crisis, about 10,000 residents of the coral island are spending every moment in fear.
The local administration does not understand the Myanmar junta, or the rebels? As a result, no action can be taken. In the meantime, on Wednesday, another round of mortar shells and heavy shells shook St. Martin. The warplanes patrolling the sky caused panic. At this time, warships crowded the Naf river and added an additional dimension. In such a situation, the question of the islanders – what is happening in St. Martin?
However, Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told journalists at the secretariat yesterday that they contacted the Myanmar authorities, but they could not confirm anything. Myanmar denied, saying they did not fire. But the shooting happened.
Cox’s Bazar District Commissioner Muhammad Shaheen Imran said that there has been a shortage of daily commodities in St. Martin due to the closure of boats. We are looking for alternatives to the current route to Saint Martin. Later in the night, Additional District Magistrate Yamin Hossain said that the food products will go to Saint Martin in two special boats from BIWTA Ghat in Nunyarchhara. And any emergency travel including patients will go through Golarchar area of Shahpari Island in Teknaf. UNO of Teknaf will coordinate the matter. Coast Guard will provide security on the waterway.
Abdul Aziz, a resident of the island, said that they are imprisoned here. It is the responsibility of the state to ensure security. Another resident, the supervisor of the beach workers of the district administration, Zainal Abedin said, ‘Who should I talk about the hardships? Nothing is being resolved. Everyone is terrified.’
Akhter Kamal, the panel chairman of Saint Martin Union Parishad, said that they received the sound of heavy mortar shells from the villages of Hassurata and Merullya in Maungdoo, Rakhine, in the east on Wednesday throughout the day. It shook the house. At this time, warplanes in the sky and Myanmar warships can be seen in the sea. The islanders are very scared. I don’t understand what’s going on.
