Commemorative Ceremony Held in Maungdaw Town for the 59th Rice Crisis Day and the 36th Pandit Saya Gyi U Thar Tun Day

News ၊ August 13, 2026

A commemorative ceremony was held today, August 13, in Maungdaw Town, Arakan State, to mark the 59th anniversary of Rice Crisis Day and the 36th anniversary of Pandit Saya Gyi U Thar Tun Day.

During the event, historical accounts surrounding the origin of the Rice Crisis were recounted, and tribute programs were held to honor and remember those who lost their lives.

In addition, commemorative programs were conducted to honor Pandit Saya Gyi U Thar Tun, a prominent figure in Rakhine literature, history, and culture.

Attendees noted that the ceremony paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the 1967 Rice Crisis, when gunfire erupted against Arakan citizens demanding access to rice and solutions to food shortages.

Rice Crisis Day is recognized as a historic day in the modern history of Arakan State, deeply connected to the public's livelihood struggles, administrative challenges, and social conditions. On August 13, 1967, mass public protests erupted in Sittwe Town demanding food relief and access to rice, leading to shootings that resulted in numerous casualties.

By honoring both Saya Gyi U Thar Tun and the events of the Rice Crisis on August 13, speakers at the event emphasized the importance of passing down the history, literature, and cultural heritage of the Arakan people to future generations.

The ceremony was held not only to recall past events, but also as a commemorative initiative aimed at ensuring that future generations continue to learn about and preserve Arakan's historical memory and literary-cultural heritage.

Source@ONN