The government shut down internet access again in Rakhine and Chin states.

Internet services in Rathaytaung, Buthitaung, Maungdaw, Myaebon townships in Rakhine State and Paletwa township in southern Chin State have been suspended by the communication ministry since February 3.

A government employee from Paletwa town that wished to remain anonymous told Khonumthung News the shutdown will impact businesses. “I don’t know when they will allow internet access again, and I don’t know why they shut it down.”

“This will hinder work in the office. Without the internet, money can’t be transferred or received…If it’s not a security issue, we want government to allow access again.”

This is second time the government has suspended the internet. Last year, it was shut down for three months until the beginning of September.

In recent days, there has been many clashes between the Burma Army and the Arakan Army in Ann township in Rakhine State and Paletwa township in Chin State.