Government officials need permission to travel in Rakhine due to conflict

05 January 2020
Government officials need permission to travel in Rakhine due to conflict
Boatmen unloading crates of fish to a bull cart at Japanma jetty in Kyaukphyu, Rakhine State. Photo: Ye Aung Thu/AFP

The Myanmar Border Affairs minister says government employees now need official permission to travel by land or water following a rise in abductions of officials by the rebel Arakan Army, according to a report by RFA.

If the officials travel, they need to obtain permission from the corresponding department chief and must report to security forces in the travel area through the state government, according to a border ministry official.

At the same time, the Arakan Army has also has requested that government staff give it advance notice about any travel plans in northern Rakhine to “avoid any unnecessary casualties”.

Areas in Rakhine State are unstable following clashes between the Arakan Army and Myanmar government forces that have led to civilian casualties.