Narinjara News, 7 March 2023

Taking advantage of the informal ceasefire with the Arakan  Army (AA), the Burmese junta forces continuecollecting tolls in some checkpoints onland and waterways. The practice puts the local tourists in trouble for the last three months.

According to local residents, the soldiers are collecting illegal taxes at Kan Myint Kan and Paypa Dom checkpoints in Anntownship as well as Amyint Kyuntwaterway checkpoint in Sittwe township.

They allege that many officials from various governmentdepartments conduct searchoperations at Kan Myint Kan point and extort money depending on the type of goods carried by moving cars or trucks.

"Kan Myint Kan checkpoint on the way to mainland Burma is well known for the illegal tax collection. If youdon't pay, it would kill hours tocome out of the point. It's like begging by the villagers,” said a local resident.

Similarly, the PaypaDom checkpoint is notorious for the travellers coming from and leaving for mainland cities including Yangon and Yangon and Mandalay.

“In both the checkpoints, the passengers are asked to get off the vehicles for checking. Then thesoldiers ask for money. If you don't pay,you will be asked to stay for hours there. When you pay, you are allowed to leave with vehicles,” said aregular passenger.

The truck drivers are made to pay for inspection and the cars even with a certificate from the borderaffairs minister have been compelledto pay money.

The army personnel at Amyint Kyunt waterway checkpoint near Min Chaung bridge are also collecting illegaltaxes from the boat owners for carryinggoods. The soldiers call the boatmen and after interrogations demand money from them.

"When you carry goods from Ponna Kyunt to Rathedaung, they will check
and ask for a fee. If you don'tpay, you are not allowed to move,” said a boat owner.

Similarly, the passengers travelling to Yechan Byint - Angu Maw under Sittwe township by boat haveto register with the concerned department.Local residents allege that the military personnel
continue to abusing the Rakhine people even a peaceful ambience exists.

Rakhine State minister for security and border affairs colonel Kyawthura was contacted for hisreaction over the matter, but it went futile.