The junta has imposed further travel restrictions, this time on all residents of Arakan (Rakhine) State who are identified by having National Registration Cards (NRCs) begin with the numbers 11/xxx.

At Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Station in Mingaladon Township, Yangon Region, Arakanese people holding 11/xxx NRCs can only purchase highway bus tickets if they present recommendation letters from both the relevant police station and ward administrator.

Travellers reported that, in recent days, they have been required to show recommendation letters to purchase bus tickets.

Since police stations and ward administration offices only issue recommendation letters for job applications, not for travel, it has become difficult for Arakan residents with 11/xxx NRCs to buy bus tickets.

"For 11/xxx NRC holders, recommendation letters from both the police station and the ward administrator are required to buy a bus ticket. Without these letters, purchasing a ticket is impossible. However, the police station and ward administration office only issue recommendation letters for job applications, not for travel, making it very difficult for Arakanese people with 11/xxx NRCs to travel,” said an Arakanese man who recently traveled with recommendation letters.

He explained that the recommendation letters are only valid for one day, saying: “They don’t really want to issue recommendation letters to 11/xxx NRC holders. They also said these letters would only be valid for one day, so I had to hurry for my trip. I think it might be much easier if I had bribed them. It's very stressful and inconvenient to travel with such a short permit, especially if you need to travel with family members for health issues.”

He also said that travellers have to pay police officers and administrators 2,000 to 5,000 MMK for their recommendation letters.

Recently the junta banned residents of Shan State, who are also from the Wa, Palaung (Ta’ang) or Kokang ethnic groups, from travelling, according to displaced people staying in Yangon. They can be singled out because all Shan State residents’ NRCs begin with the numbers 13/xxx and also give a person’s ethnicity.

People from Bago, Sagaing and Magway Division are also facing extra scrutiny and questioning when they travel, often having to show they have the correct travel documents.

Residents of Sagaing and Magway Regions have reported that every time they travel they are being asked many questions and are often asked to produce their NRCs and travel documents.