The prolonged night curfew, which was imposed in Arakan State’s capital city Sittwe in June 2012, has finally been lifted by the Rakhine State authorities.
“The situation has improved in the capital city, so the authorities have decided to lift the curfew from Sittwe,” said U Win Myint, a spokesperson for the Arakan State government.
Soon after sectarian violence broke out in Sittwe two years ago the authorities imposed a curfew from 11pm-4 am every night, and the curfew continued until last week.
However, the night curfew in Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Thandwe, and Kyauk Pru Townships will continue for a few more days as the authorities have yet to reach a decision on these areas.
The Sittwe authorities have already arranged to announce the news about lifting the curfew using loudspeakers placed on vehicles.
An ex-teacher in the area, U Hla Maung, said that citizens welcome the decision to withdraw the curfew from the capital city.
“All the markets in Sittwe were forced to close down by 11pm because of the curfew. It almost ruined Sittwe’s businesspeople. Now the people can move around and shop anywhere without restriction,” he added.
