Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazaar: Burma’s border security force (Nasaka), imposed a curfew on March 25 in Nasaka Sector No. 3 of Maungdaw Township from dawn to dusk. It is believed the curfew is a result of fears that materials used for building a fence along the border with Bangladesh are at risk for being stolen, said a source close to the Nasaka.
There are eight Nasaka areas or Nasaka Sectors in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State.
A flag meeting was held between the Border Guard of Bangladesh (BGB) and the Nasaka on March 24 at the zero line of the Burma-Bangladesh border at Taungbro with the aim of easing tensions about the barbed wire fence between the two countries.
Recently, a problem along the Burma-Bangladesh border has erupted as Burma has been constructing a barbed wire fence along the Taungbro border on the Burmese side within 70 to 80 yards from the zero line of the border without providing any information to the concerned Bangladeshi authorities. In fact, Burma has the right only to build a fence 150 yards away from the zero line.
Regarding the matter, Nasaka representatives admitted its plans, but said that fence construction would be stopped temporarily until orders come from a higher authority. However, the materials for construction of the fence, which were carried to the border, are being left on the border. So the Nasaka fears that they could be stolen, said another aide of Nasaka who asked not to be named.
“As a result, the Nasaka imposed a curfew in Nasaka Sector No. 3 from dawn to dusk. If anyone is found out of their home during the curfew hours, he/she will be shot dead.”
Because of the curfew, many farmers have met with difficulties in going to their worksites and have to return home early after abandoning their works. Additionally, some villagers have to maintain careful watch over their fishing projects as people often steal fish. However, now they are not able to go to their projects at night to watch their projects, said a local villager who declined to be named.
Recently, the Nasaka also seized seals from the Village Peace and Development Council (VPDC) chairmen in Maungdaw Township by saying that the new government will take power soon within 2 or 3 days, said local elder from Maungdaw South.
Burma’s military junta no longer officially exists following the formation of the new “Union Government” being sworn in Wednesday, March 30, according to state media.
MRTV said on Wednesday that Snr Gen Than Shwe had signed into effect the dissolution of the SPDC. Alongside the SPDC, state division level, district level, township level, ward level, and village level Peace and Development Council offices have been dissolved and ordered to close.
