Boat operators unhappy with new security checks at Lay Myo River jetty in Minbya Twsp

30 Apr 2022

DMG Newsroom

30 April 2022, Minbya

The Myanmar military has recently stationed troops at a jetty in Pan Myaung village, Minbya Township, and is inspecting passenger boats plying the Lay Myo River, to the consternation of local residents. 

More than 30 security personnel from a military contingent stationed at Aung Mingalar Hill in Pan Myaung village arrived at the jetty around 3 p.m. on Friday, said U Nga Lone Chay, a local resident. 

“Previously, the Myanmar military did not inspect passenger boats like this. However, the Myanmar military has been inspecting the passenger boats since yesterday. We don’t know exactly why the Myanmar military is inspecting passenger boats,” he added. 

“The junta soldiers asked the boat operators to raise the red flag and dock at the jetty,” said Daw Ma Kyawt Nu, the owner of a passenger boat from Pan Myaung village.  

“They also asked the boat operators many questions, such as, ‘Where are you going?’ The boats sailing on the upper reaches of the Lay Myo River are not allowed. But the passengers going to Minbya are not questioned by the regime soldiers. However, due to the presence of the junta soldiers, our living conditions are very limited and we do not dare to speak on the phone. We are also afraid that the junta soldiers will misunderstand,” she added. 

Though the reason for the regime soldiers’ inspections at the jetty were not known to locals, a boat passenger who spoke on condition of anonymity said river travellers like himself were concerned. 

“The Myanmar military does not interrogate passengers travelling to Mrauk-U. But with the Myanmar military in a busy area, I became anxious. I was afraid I would be called in for questioning,” the unnamed passenger added. 

DMG phoned the Pan Myaung village administrator, U Tin Aung Kyaw, to ask about the new security presence along the Lay Myo River, but he could not be reached. DMG attempts to contact Arakan State Minister for Security and Border Affairs Colonel Kyaw Thura for comment on the matter were also unsuccessful. 

The Myanmar military has reportedly had soldiers stationed at an encampment on Aung Mingalar Pagoda Hill in Pan Myaung village since 2019.