Junta steps up checks on water travellers in Arakan State

By Admin 07 Nov 2023

DMG Newsroom
7 November 2023, Sittwe

The military regime has reportedly been tightening security checks on people travelling via waterways in Arakan State.

Myanmar Navy vessels are checking the number of passengers, ID cards and lists of commodities from cargo boats and ferryboats operating in Arakan State.

A Myanmar Navy vessel docked at the mouth of Kaladan River scrutinises the number of passengers, ID cards and commodities lists, as well as village administrators’ recommendation letters on ferryboats plying the water route between Sittwe and Pauktaw, locals said.

“Boat operators like us have to leave earlier than before due to the junta’s security checks. There is a delay for the passengers and it is also difficult for us due to the junta’s security checks,” said a boat operator plying the water route between Sittwe and Pauktaw.

Passengers are struggling to transport goods as junta soldiers and police conduct checks on ferryboats at Angumaw Jetty.

Residents said the military regime inspects passengers’ goods and allows them to carry construction materials only with a certificate from the shop owner where they purchased the materials.

“We see both ferryboats and cargo boats are being checked by junta soldiers and police. They also check the lists of passengers and commodities at Yaychanpyin Jetty,” said U Tun Aye Kyaw, a boat operator.

As the military junta is conducting increasingly strict security checks on people travelling by water in Arakan State, passengers are facing difficulties and are worried about their safety.

A local woman from Pauktaw Township who did not wish to be named said that she feels insecure when travelling as the inspections are getting stricter by the day.

“When we travel in Arakan State, the junta soldiers check our ID cards and ask us to provide a list of goods, which is very annoying. Sometimes, ferryboats are strictly checked by junta soldiers. When we see such things, we feel insecure,” she told DMG.

DMG was unable to obtain comment from Arakan State Minister for Security and Border Affairs Colonel Kyaw Thura regarding the matter.

The Myanmar military and the AA in Arakan State observed an unofficial ceasefire in November of last year, but the AA is fighting alongside the Ta’ang National Liberation Army and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army in an ongoing offensive against the regime in northern Shan State. The AA’s involvement in the conflict in Shan State has added to fears that hostilities could also resume in Arakan State.