Curfew extended in Buthidaung and Maungdaw

The evening curfew in two northern Rakhine State townships was extended, according to local officials.

The evening curfew in two northern Rakhine State townships was extended, according to local officials.

The late-night clampdown has been in place since 2012 in Buthidaung and Maungdaw, where there appears to be little impetus to remove it, as local residents – both Buddhist and Muslim – say they fear a resurgence of unrest.

Police Lieutenant San Min from Maungdaw Township said the latest curfew extension will hold for two months until October 8. The curfew has been moved from its previous 11pm start time to now take effect at midnight.

After the 2012 conflict, most of Rakhine State, including the capital Sittwe, instituted a dusk-to-dawn curfew that was lifted two years ago. But the curfew has remained in force in Buthidaung and Maungdaw.