Kyaukpru: Pressure from the Chinese is forcing Burmese military authorities to beef up security for oil and gas pipeline projects on Madae Island in Arakan State, said a police officer.

China raised concerns over security risks at its pipeline projects in Arakan after a series of bomb explosions at the Chinese hydropower dam project in Myitsone in northern Burma's Kachin State, the source said.

"The plans of the authorities to strengthen security are now underway after China expressed concern for its pipeline projects in Arakan after the deadly bomb blasts at its Myitsone Dam project in April," the officer told Narinjara on condition of anonymity.

He added that a large police station is now under construction and nearly 100 police personnel will be deployed to guard the Chinese projects on Madae Island.

The China National Petroleum Corporation began construction in February on two oil and natural gas pipelines and a deep-sea port on Madae Island in Arakan's Kyaukpru Township, in collaboration with Burma's Asia World Company.

Local villagers say, there is anger over the Chinese projects on the island as the junta and Asia World Company have evicted nearly 50 families from their homes and confiscated 30 acres of arable land for the projects, without paying compensation.

The villagers, however, also said that there is no local armed group or organization that is capable of attacking the Chinese projects in Arakan State, which has tight security cover. They are concerned that the security reinforcements for the project will result in more violations and restrictions against villagers in the project areas.

Currently, there is the Burmese Navy headquarters, three army battalions, and several police stations in the areas near Madae Island in Kyaukpru Township.