Minbya (, , also spelt Mongbra after Arakanese pronunciation) is a town in
Rakhine State
Rakhine State ( ; , ; ), formerly known as Arakan State, is a Administrative divisions of Myanmar, state in Myanmar (Burma). Situated on the western coast, it is bordered by Chin State to the north, Magway Region, Bago Region and Ayeyarwady Re ...
, in the westernmost part of
Myanmar
Myanmar, officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar; and also referred to as Burma (the official English name until 1989), is a country in northwest Southeast Asia. It is the largest country by area in Mainland Southeast Asia and has ...
(Burma). It is located along the
Lemro River and foothill of Kyein Range. Kyein Taung Pagoda is one of the prominent Pagodas in Rakhine State. Ramaung Bridge is also well-known. Minbya is convenient in transportation as the Sittwe-Yangon highway passes near Minbya. Ga Rim Gian is a nice place to visit with the pleasant sights.
History
Minbya was established by the British in 1867 on the western bank of Lemro River, lying below Kyein Hill which stands historical Kyein Stupa built during ancient time.
During the
civil war in Myanmar, Minbya was a center of heavy fighting between the
Tatmadaw
The Tatmadaw, also known as the Sit-Tat, is the armed forces of Myanmar (formerly Burma). It is administered by the Ministry of Defence and composed of the Myanmar Army, the Myanmar Navy and the Myanmar Air Force. Auxiliary services include ...
and the
Arakan Army
The Arakan Army (; Abbreviation, abbreviated AA), sometimes referred to as the Arakha Army is an Ethnic nationalism, ethnic-List of insurgent groups in Myanmar, armed organisation based in Rakhine State (Arakan). Founded in April 2009, the Ara ...
. The entirety of Minbya township was captured by the AA on 6 February 2024.
Education
The education of Minbya is fairly good. There are three high schools: BEHS 1,2,3 which are the main academic bodies of town. Many primary and middle schools persist. On the other hand, there were no place for English Language study and computer training before 2014. In 2014, Buddhist monks who are also scholars at various universities of India opened a center for young students called The Light Of Mizzima. The center offers computer and English courses for one year and provide scholarship for outstanding students. Having say that, there are still many things to be developed.
Natural disasters
On 15 June 2010, strong rains destroyed more than 25 buildings, including houses, school buildings, and a mosque. Close to 200 people were housed in mosques of several nearby villages.
On 12 November 2011, all 567 permanent shops of the Minbya central market were destroyed in a fire accident.
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During the last weekend of July 2015, there was a heavy rain and cause the flooding and then this situation was worse as
Cyclone Komen hit the Arakan Coastal on 30 July. It caused great damages in urban and rural area. Many farms were destroyed. After flooding, many civil charity group were came to aid the rural residents. This flooding was also taking place in Mrauk-Oo, Kyauk Taw townships.
Gallery
File:Rin Koe Rest-House.JPG
File:1000 Pagoda.JPG
File:Main Arch Way.JPG
File:Laying Image.JPG
File:Ball-Like Part.JPG
References
External links
Satellite map at Maplandia.com
Township capitals of Myanmar
Populated places in Rakhine State
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