Maungdaw, Arakan State: Security personnel are collecting tolls from pedestrians and drivers of vehicles who wish to cross the bridge in Maungdaw after national elections, said a vehicle owner from Maungdaw.

In northern Arakan State, the Burma Border Security Force (Nasaka) has installed a check post at every bridge along motor roads, the owner said.

“The check posts are only to look after the bridges, but most of the security personnel are from the police force under the Nasaka. The security personnel are checking people who wish to pass the bridge and asking money for crossing the bridge,” said a local elder from Kyikanpyin Village who must cross three bridges to reach Maungdaw.

“Most of the Nasaka outposts are checking for people who are passing the outpost without identity cards and travel documents issued from the Village Peace and Development Council (VPDC). If anyone fails to produce the required documents, the Nasaka asks for 500 kyat per person.”

“But nobody can pass without paying some money to the Nasaka, even people who have all of the correct documents. The security personnel ask for at least 50 kyat per person.”

The security personnel also asks for money from drivers who wish to cross the bridge, with tolls ranging from 500 to 1,000 kyat, said a truck driver from Maungdaw.

The security personnel at the new Shwezar Bridge (which open end of the 2010) ask for 500 kyat per driver. Most of the traffic on the road is people on their way to visit relatives or patients going to hospital, said a village authority member from Shwezar.

“The Shwezar Bridge to Maungdaw is closed, so most of the villagers have to walk.”

On the Maungdaw-Alaythankyaw Road, the bridge security personnel are collecting 1,000 kyat per vehicle to pass the bridge. On this road, there are more than ten bridges, but the bridge security personnel collect at just three bridges: Magyichaung Bridge near Naypaydaw Junction (near Nyaung Chaung Village and Pandawpin Village), Gawduthara Bridge, and Zawmatat Bridge, said a businessman.

“All vehicles have to pay 3, 000 kyat to the bridge security if they are going to Maungdaw South, even vehicles carrying a patient to Maungdaw.”

“The security personnel from these bridges are collecting from everybody who wishes to cross the bridges.”

Previously in Maungdaw, there were no security check posts at bridges, and no tolls were collected. However, following the establishment of the Nasaka in northern Arakan State, there are now many check post and restrictions for people who wish to go to Maungdaw’s markets, schools, and hospital from rural area, said a politician from Maungdaw.

“My father gives me 300 kyat for spending money when I go to school, but I have to pay 100 kyat for crossing the bridge two times,” said a class ten student from Nyaung Chaung Village. “I don’t think other areas of Burma make students pay money to get to school.”