Shelling, gunshot noises heard at Shah Pori Island border

Heavy gunfights between the Myanmar government troops and the rebel resistance Arakan Army fighters in the Rakhine State are terrorising the inhabitants of Shah Pori Island in Teknaf of Cox's Bazar, which lies on the border between the two countries.

From dawn to around 2pm on Saturday, sounds of shelling were heard in the area. Members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Coast Guard have continued to patrol the Naf River to prevent any illegal entry of people from Myanmar.

Abdus Salam, Union Parishad member of ward no 9 of Shah Pori Island, said noises like bomb blasts were heard all morning. Fishermen have said heavy fighting was ongoing in Mongdu, Pantocha, Norbonia, Nurulla, and Hassurata areas in Rakhine.

Meanwhile, the noises of shelling and gunfights were less noticeable in the Whykong, Nhila, and St Martin's Island on Saturday. 

/KN/