The letter with the five points was submitted by the 53 Muslim leaders to the prime minister during a meeting that was held at the Maungdaw Township administration office on Monday.

"The meeting was conducted especially for the Muslim leaders by the Arakan State prime minister during his visit to Maungdaw. About 100 Muslim leaders were able to attend the meeting where the 53 leaders submitted the letter to the prime minister," the official said.

The five demands by the Muslim leaders are: Recognize Muslims as an ethnic nationality; Issue national ID cards; Allow free travel for Muslims; Remove restrictions on marriage; Allow renovation of mosques.

"Prime Minister U Hla Maung Tin responded to the letter in the meeting but did not agree to fulfill all the demands. But, he instructed the director of the immigration department to issue traveling documents to the Muslim community. He also said issuing national identity cards would be impossible right now, as he needs permission from the central government," the official added.

The demands came out at the meeting because candidates from the government-backed USDP promised to provide many opportunities such as recognition as citizens and national identity cards for the Muslim community if their party won.

Muslims in northern Arakan State have been facing many restrictions imposed by local government authorities, such as not being allowed to travel or marry without permission, and bans on the renovation of mosques.