Junta likely to restaff security checkpoints along Maungdaw-Angumaw road: locals

By Admin 06 Jul 2023

DMG Newsroom
6 July 2023, Maungdaw

The junta is making arrangements to reopen some security checkpoints along the Maungdaw-Angumaw road in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, according to locals and truck drivers.

The Maungdaw-Angumaw road was closed after the Myanmar military and Arakan Army (AA) agreed to observe an informal ceasefire in late November 2022, and arrangements are being made to reopen some junta security checkpoints, said locals.

“Junta personnel are seen repairing the damaged security checkpoints along the Maungdaw-Angumaw road, but they do not conduct security checks on travellers and passersby,” a truck driver told DMG.

There were about 10 security checkpoints along the road during the 2018-2020 fighting, when the junta strictly scrutinised the transportation of goods and the travel of locals. Following the military’s informal ceasefire with the Arakan Army, the junta closed its checkpoints.

The junta repaired at least five security checkpoints along the road following damage wrought by Cyclone Mocha. Residents said that if the junta reopens the security checkpoints and tightens checks on locals, it could cause difficulties when it comes to the flow of commodities and other business considerations, as well as disrupting travel.

“It is bad news for local people that the junta plans to reopen security checkpoints along the Maungdaw-Angumaw road. It is not convenient for relief groups to travel freely. The storm victims may face more difficulties,” said a resident of Donepaik Village in Rathedaung Township.

The Maungdaw-Angumaw road stretches for more than 49 miles and is of major economic and social importance to local people. Residents are hoping that it will remain open to unencumbered travel because of the humanitarian needs that have followed Cyclone Mocha.

“If the junta brings back inspections of pedestrians like before, it will disturb local people and travellers. Arakan State has been affected by the storm a lot, so it would be that much worse. The junta should be easing restrictions, taking the plight of locals into consideration,” said a local woman from Tamanthar Village in Maungdaw Township.

DMG attempted to phone the Arakan State minister for security and border affairs, Colonel Kyaw Thura, regarding the junta’s plan to reopen security checkpoints along the Maungdaw-Angumaw road, but he could not be reached.