4 July 2021
The military council issued a statement to extend the night curfew order (Section 144) in Ann Township, Arakan State for an additional two months as from July 2nd.
“This statement is the extension of the order. The reason remains unchanged,” said U Htay Aung, Chair of the Ann Township Administration Council.
“The curfew order was imposed in Ann Township, on March 2nd, 2021, citing that there were the incidents which undermined the peace, tranquility and rule of law in Arakan State; the soldiers and police members were injured; and the State-owned building and vehicles were damaged, and there were the reports on the deaths of innocent civilians due to the fighting among civilians,”
The statement continued to say that the similar events may occur if the people go outside at night.
The order will take effect from 9 pm to 5 am.
Ko Myo Lwin, a local from Ann Township said: “Due to the curfew order, fishing workers in Ann Township face difficulty. No curfew order is required any longer. The curfew order hampers locals. As Ann Township has many fishing workers, they have to go to their work based on tide. Due to the 9 pm-5 am curfew, the fishing workers find it difficult.”
On February 6th, 2021, the authorities withdrew the curfew order issued in Thandwe, Gwa, Kyaukphyu, Manaung, Taungup, Yanbye, Pauktaw and Sittwe Townships in Arakan State on December 17th, 2020, in order to control the spread of Covid-19.
But the authorities have not yet withdrawn the curfew order imposed in the war-hit MraukU, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Ponnagyun, Myaebon, Ann, Maungdaw and Buthidaung Townships in April, 2019, citing the security.
Written by Aung Htein (DMG)