Regime’s tightening of security checks increasingly disrupts day-to-day life in Arakan State

By DMG 27 Jun 2022

DMG Newsroom
27 June 2022, Sittwe

Townships in northern Arakan State have recently been subjected to strict military inspections, making it difficult for locals to travel, according to locals.

The Myanmar military has tightened security by checking travellers’ IDs, mobile phones and luggage at entry, exit and security checkpoints in Sittwe, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U and Minbya townships, locals said.

“Junta soldiers checked my mobile phone, ID and luggage, and asked some questions. I also waited for an hour at Yaychanpyin security checkpoint,” said Ko Htoo Htoo, who travelled to Rathedaung from Sittwe on June 24.

He added that the Myanmar military’s interrogation of travellers was not only an inconvenience for passengers, but also caused delays for those with business at hand.

A local resident in Mrauk-U, who did not want to be named, said he did not dare go to work due to the military interrogations at the entrance and exit of the town.

“Some people — such as farmers, odd-job workers, three-wheeled motorbike drivers and motorbike taxi drivers — dare not go to work due to the military’s strict interrogations. If this continues, we will all be in trouble in the long run. Food shortages can make it difficult for people to eat and drink,” he added.

Junta soldiers have been patrolling Mrauk-U daily in vehicles, and some locals have been arrested. Locals are worried that the flow of goods will be delayed due to the tight security protocols in place by the Myanmar military, leading to higher commodity prices and shortages.

“I dare not go to the market to purchase items for my shop. There are reports of Myanmar military arrests of civilians and passersby,” said Daw Ma Yin, a grocery store owner in Tinnyo model village, Mrauk-U Township.

Despite ongoing military tensions between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar military, locals have demanded that no arrests be made and that freedom of movement be allowed without such strict inspection of mere pedestrians.

Travellers are frustrated as the Myanmar military has set up 10 security checkpoints on the way from Ann to Sittwe, said an unnamed driver plying a route between Sittwe and Yangon.

The Myanmar military has arrested dozens of civilians across Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U and Kyauktaw townships since the Arakan Army detained 14 junta soldiers and policemen earlier this month.

DMG contacted Arakan State Minister for Security and Border Affairs Colonel Kyaw Thura to seek comment on the matter, but he could not be reached.