Junta troops have recently set up checkpoints on roads used by locals in some Arakan State townships to check on travellers.

The Myanmar military has opened new security checkpoints on the Angumaw-Maungdaw road section in Rathedaung Township, forcing locals and travellers to get out of their vehicles and have their ID cards scrutinised, said a resident of Maungdaw.

“We were told to take off our masks. This can be a source of frustration for travellers and unnecessary delays. In addition, their investigation did not give a definite reason,” the Maungdaw resident explained.

In the past, security forces only asked drivers for the number of passengers in the vehicle, but now they are asking passengers to get off and check their IDs, the Maungdaw resident added.

“Beginning in late December, security forces ordered all passengers to get out of their cars, remove their masks and check their ID cards,” the resident said.

There are three Myanmar military checkpoints on the Ponnagyun-Rathedaung road and similar checks are being conducted by junta soldiers at each.

Travellers told DMG that the ID checks at every security checkpoint were frustrating due to the queues of cars and travel delays.

“The junta soldiers sometimes ask for the IDs of travellers. So we have concerns. We have to be aware of our mobile phones. The Myanmar military does not always conduct security checks on the locals,” said a resident of Tun Yawai village in Rathedaung Township.

DMG phoned spokesperson for the Myanmar council Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun and Arakan State Minister of Security and Border Affairs Col. Kyaw Thura about the Myanmar military’s deployment of several checkpoints along roads in Arakan State, but they could not be reached.