Taungup residents urge easing of strict travel restrictions

By Admin 26 Mar 2026

DMG Newsroom

26 March 2026, Taungup

Residents in Arakan State’s Taungup Township are facing significant difficulties due to tightened travel restrictions and are calling on authorities to relax the measures to ease movement within the township.

Locals reported that anyone traveling from Taungup to other townships, or even moving between areas within the same township, is required to obtain multiple travel permits. This includes a recommendation letter from their village-tract administration, followed by an additional permit from the relevant sub-township or township administration office.

Travelers who fail to present a complete set of documents at security checkpoints are reportedly denied passage and ordered to turn back.

“We accept the need for permits when crossing into other townships. However, requiring two separate recommendation letters for travel within our own township is unnecessary. It is a waste of time and leads to high travel costs,” a male resident in Taungup told DMG.

The administrative system in Taungup Township is currently operating through a tiered civil structure, ranging from village-tract to sub-township, township and district levels.

Despite being within the same township, residents must obtain dual permits simply to cross between different sub-township jurisdictions. This process often results in long delays and additional transportation costs as residents travel to various administrative offices to obtain the required documents.

Residents also complained that each recommendation letter at the township or sub-township level costs K3,000, adding to the financial burden.

“It’s very inconvenient for those traveling on urgent matters. A trip that should take about 30 minutes by motorbike can now take an entire day just to secure the necessary permits. Then there are the transportation costs to reach those offices,” a local woman in Taungup Township said.

Taungup residents suggested that the United League of Arakan (ULA) streamline the procedures to facilitate easier movement. They emphasized the need to reduce unnecessary costs for people already struggling with economic hardships caused by the conflict.

Locals expressed a strong desire for greater freedom of movement within their own township.

“Certain matters should be settled with just a village-level recommendation. Village-level offices should be empowered to handle these responsibilities. Authorities need to understand that people are already suffering from the effects of the war and should relax some of these strict regulations,” another local man said.

Taungup Township shares borders with Bago and Magway Regions. Security and travel restrictions remain tight as clashes continue between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA)-led alliance in neighboring areas.

The Arakan Army seized control of Taungup Township in December 2024. Under ULA administration, the township’s judiciary, law enforcement and administrative mechanisms are currently in operation.