Locals want soldiers to withdraw from the compound of Mahamuni Pagoda in Kyauktaw Township in Arakan State despite the ceasefire as pilgrims don’t dare to visit the pagoda.
A local elderly from a nearby village said: “Many pilgrims usually visit the pagoda in December. In previous years, the pagoda was crowded with pilgrims. Pilgrims don’t dare to visit the pagoda despite having no fighting. Pilgrims don’t like inspection by soldiers. I think the soldiers should be moved to another place in order that the people can pay homage to the pagoda peacefully.”
Following the informal ceasefire between the military council and the Arakan Army (AA), the military council reopened blocked roads and waterways on November 26.
However, the junta soldiers are stationed at Mahamuni pagoda in Kyauktaw.
A member of Kyauktaw Mahamuni Pagoda Board of Trustees said: “A few pilgrims visit the pagoda after a ceasefire. The pilgrims are from nearby areas. The situation is totally different from last year. This time last year, the pagoda was crowded with pilgrims.”
Despite having no fighting in Arakan State, the public feels unsafe, and their businesses are not good as soldiers are active everywhere.
“Despite the ceasefire, soldiers are active in many areas. The people feel unsafe as the soldiers are stationed on the mountains where the famous pagodas are located. On the other hand, the people have financial problems as they have to live on a shoestring. Only a very few people visit the pagoda. Shopkeepers from the pagoda face livelihood difficulties,” a local from Kyauktaw told the Narinjara.
Despite the ceasefire in Arakan State, the military council troops are carrying out inspections at the checkpoints along the road. The people don’t dare to make pilgrimage tours and other tours, he added.
“The army should withdraw its troops stationed at the pagodas citing security concerns. Now both sides have made a ceasefire. There are many places where they (soldiers) can station. They should not station on the pagodas to avoid the public’s fear,” he said.
The historic Mahamuni pagoda is located about five miles to the east of Kyauktaw. The Mahamuni Buddha image was carried by the troops of the Burmese King who invaded Arakan State in 1784 ME, to Mandalay Amarapura.
Sent by Khaing Lu Hla (Yoma Myay)
