A checkpoint set up near Kyauk Talone Pagoda in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, ceased inspections and had its gate dismantled on Saturday morning amid local opposition to its continued existence.
The checkpoint was removed at the order of the Arakan State Administration Council following the request of town elders, said U Chan Myae Soe, chair of the Kyaukphyu Township Administration Council.
“The Arakan State Administration Council gave the green light to remove the checkpoint, so it was closed at 9 a.m. this morning,” he said.
U Hla Myo Kyaw, resident of Kyaukphyu town, said: “People are cooperating with the authorities from the checkpoint when it is really necessary. It should be removed when it is not required for the people. I think it should be removed.”
The township administration council, CSOs and town elders discussed removing the checkpoint on Friday.
U Chan Myae Soe said he did not receive any instruction to dismantle the buildings used by those who are manning the checkpoint.
“They were built with funds from the previous state government. At the moment, I have not received any instruction on what to do about the staff building. So, I do not have a plan to take it down,” he said.
Located at the entrance to Kyaukphyu town, the checkpoint was set up jointly by local residents and regional authorities as part of efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 when a second wave of infections hit Arakan State in August.
