The Arakan Army (AA) has shortened the curfew in Maungdaw town, located on the western border of Rakhine State, from 7pm to 10pm, starting June 1.
The AA has decreased the curfew from 7 pm to 10 pm starting June 1. Entering and leaving the town is allowed until 10pm. This might be due to the fact that security in Maungdaw has seen some improvement compared to the past," a resident of Maungdaw stated.
The curfew in Maungdaw used to be from 7pm to 6am, but it changed to 10pm to 6am the following day beginning June 1.
Since January, people displaced from Maungdaw have been permitted to return to their residences, and the Arakan Army has enacted a local directive prohibiting going out after 7 p.m.
Likewise, Muslims in 14 townships governed by the Arakan Army, including those in the Maungdaw border region, can travel freely with support letters from the AA, as stated by local Muslims.
A Muslim hailing from Buthidaung mentioned, “We Muslims have always faced restrictions on our travel in the past. Currently, we are permitted to travel only under the AA."
At present, the requirement for letters of support for travel in AA-controlled townships arises from the fact that many Muslims lack identification documents, such as ID cards.
Under the Burmese government's rule, Muslims in Rakhine State faced restrictions on travel, with their access to mainland Burma being explicitly forbidden.
