"The immigration ministry has been now transferred to Colonel Htein Lin, the minister appointed by the army for the Ministry of Security and Border Affairs, because it is one of the important and most sensitive affairs in the state," said the minister on condition of anonymity.

The immigration ministry in the Arakan State government was initially combined in one ministry with religious affairs when the government was formed on 30 March, 2011. U Hla Han, an MP from the Union Solidarity and Development Party, was appointed the minister.

The source said that U Hla Han has become the minister for the Ministry of Religious Affairs after immigration affairs was moved to the Ministry of Security and Border Affairs that is headed by Colonel Htein Lin.

"Muslim issues especially in northern Arakan is very important and it is very sensitive as well, concerning the recognition of citizenship. The immigration department is directly responsible for this issue and so it is more suitable to be under the army's minister, Colonel Htein Lin, rather than civilian minister U Hla Han," the source added.

Colonel Htein Lin ministry has been officially remanded the "Ministry of Immigration and Security - Border Affairs".

Another MP from the state parliament also said that Colonel Htein Lin is a patriot and good official who usually discuss issues peacefully in the parliament despite his army background, and he would be able to tackle immigration affairs efficiently.

The current government does not recognize Muslims in Arakan State as natural-born citizens, but rather as guest citizens officially listed as Bengali.