Myanmar Junta Blocks Rakhine People From Leaving Yangon as Conflict Intensifies in Western State

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By The Irrawaddy     March 21, 2024
Myanmar Junta Blocks Rakhine People From Leaving Yangon as Conflict Intensifies in Western State

Vehicles wait for passengers at the Aung Mingalar Express Bus Terminal in Yangon. / The Irrawaddy

The junta on Monday instructed Yangon express bus operators not to sell tickets to anyone holding citizenship identification cards indicating they reside in Rakhine State.

The instruction threatened harsh penalties against bus operators who sell tickets to Rakhine residents.

The manager of a Yangon-based tour company confirmed the travel ban on citizens from Rakhine.

 

“The notice says we are not allowed to sell bus tickets to residents holding Rakhine State ID. It didn’t explain why. So, we can’t sell tickets to them. We will be punished if we do so,” she said.

 

Residents of other states also face restrictions on traveling out of Yangon. Bus operators are not allowed to sell tickets unless the buyer produces their citizenship ID, a travel-permission letter from authorities, or a letter from their employer outside Yangon, she added.

“They must bring their original citizenship IDs to buy tickets. They must also bring letters from their ward administrator and police station.” a bus ticket agent confirmed.

Many believe the restrictions have been imposed to prevent youngsters from evading conscription.

Enforced by the regime last month, the national conscription law allows the military to summon men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 to serve for at least two years. The age limit for professionals such as doctors and engineers is extended to 45 for men and 35 for women.

“Yes, bus lines will not sell tickets for this,” confirmed a man brandishing his Rakhine State ID in Yangon.

A notice at the bus terminal lists the documents needed for travel. / CJ

“Maybe they fear punishment if junta troops spot us during checks along the road. How are we supposed to travel if a life-or-death situation comes up? This is the country we live in.”

A large number of Rakhine people are working in Yangon as job opportunities are scarce in the country’s second poorest state. Frontier reported in 2020 that 60,000 Rakhine migrants were working in the commercial capital. Many Rakhine people have also settled permanently in Yangon, though their citizenship IDs may still show them registered as Rakhine residents.

 

Shortly after imposing conscription, the regime also clamped down on air travelers returning to Rakhine, according to Rakhine-based media outlet Western News.

 

Some were detained for interrogation and several remain in custody, it reported.

Two days after the enforcement of conscription on Feb. 10, the regime imposed travel restrictions on air travelers flying from Rakhine to Yangon. Residents are only allowed to fly to Yangon for healthcare or education with permission from their district administrators.