The curfew order in the five townships of northern Arakan State has been extended for the next two months, according to township administrators and local residents.

The curfew order from 9p.m to 5a.m was imposed in Minbya, Kyauktaw, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun and Mrauk-U on April 2 until end of May and is now extended from June to the end of July.

U Tun Nyein Naing, administrator of Minbya Township, said that heads of villages were ordered to let local residents know about the curfew extension.

People are not allowed to access all roads, streets, lanes, parks or other public areas in the townships during the curfew time, the order said.

Mine explosions and attacks on police stations and outposts occurred during a period from January to March, resulting in many casualties of the Tatmadaw and police; government buildings and motor vehicles were also destroyed. So, the curfew was imposed to maintain peace and rule of law in the region, to prevent politics, economic and social affairs from deteriorating and to maintain a stable administrative mechanism, the government announced.

The curfew order however, makes life difficult for local residents, business and commerce decreases, access to healthcare is limited and lines of communication have occasionally become obstructed.