Burma has deployed three army battalions along the Bangladesh border, according to a politician from Maungdaw Township. Government officials claimed the measures had been taken to beef up security to address political instability in Arakan state.
Two police battalions will also be sent at a later date to seal the Burma-Bangladesh border from illegal activities, according to Maungdaw security officials.
The increase of border security was advised by the Arakan Conflict Commission report, said an elder from Maungdaw. The government-backed commission recommended doubling armed troops in Arakan state when the report was released in April, according to the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB). This is to ensure the security and maintain segregation between Rohingya Muslims and Buddhists after two outbreaks of sectarian violence last year.
Director General Major General Aziz Ahmed said the new measures are intended to support existing security apparatuses already in the state and will not be used for malice purposes.
“Burmese police and army guard its border with Bangladesh in the trouble-hit areas of Arakan state after authorities disbanded its border force Nasaka.”
But some locals aren’t convinced. “At present, we see many police and army across the Maungdaw Township. We fear that harassment will increase,” said a Maungdaw resident that didn't want their name used for security concerns.
Ethnic violence between Buddhists and Muslims in the state is frequently supported by government forces, said another local.
