“Like previous times, army personnel started checking travelers visiting from Dai areas at Matupi’s army checkpoint. Soldiers are collecting guest lists submitted by the travelers, and then check travelers pockets and national identity cards,” said a Madu villager of Matupi.

Residents are apprehensive about the motives of Burma's new government administration given the tight security situation in the region, though local army personnel and people have improved relations since the new government was formed.

“The people do not serve as army porters any longer. But the checks have started again,” said a local resident.

The Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) No. 140 and Infantry Battalion No. 304 are based in Matupi, but LIB No.140′s army personnel are not checking travelers from the northern part of Matupi Town.

Since August 2012, local army camps have been expanded by Burma's government in Paletwa and Matupi Townships in southern Chin state.