Maungdaw: A large number of Burmese soldiers have been deployed at four key places along the border near northern Maungdaw Township since Monday, to help with construction of the border fence, a source close to the army said.

The source said nearly 500 soldiers from four battalions were deployed on Monday in four villages - Kyin Chaung, Taungbro, Wrat Nyo Daung, and Ka Yin Chaung - which are all strategic points along the border.

About 100 soldiers from LIB 537 based in Rathidaung were deployed at Kyin Chaung Village, while another 100 soldiers from LIB 552 based in Nga Kyi Dauk in Buthidaung Township were deployed to Taungbro Way (Left) located near Bangladesh's Gon Don Village.

Another 100 soldiers from both LIB 551 and 345 based in Buthidaung were deployed to the villages of Wra Nyo Daung and Ka Yin Chaung.

Lieutenant Colonel Maung Maung is the commander-in-charge of the four battalions and is stationed at Kyin Chaung Village.

Despite reports that soldiers are being deployed to aid in the border fencing, the soldiers were deployed to the area, soon after a rumour began spreading that communal riots would take place during the New Year festivities in Arakan.

According to an army source, over 1,000 soldiers have been deployed in the western border area, since the border fence project started in March 2009. #