Army Stops Toll Collection in Western Burma

The Burmese army has stopped its collection of tolls from local traders and has been allowing traders to move freely without paying fees in western Burma, with the likely intent of luring traders to cast "Yes" votes in the upcoming referendum, according to one woman trader who refused to be named.

The woman said, "We had to pay at least three army outposts previously along the border when we came to Bangladesh from northern Arakan State, but now we do not need to pay any amount of ransom to the camps for passing border points."

She also added, "The army is now dealing with traders very softly, which is very different from previous times, and I suppose it is to lure our people to cast "Yes" votes."

There are many army outposts stationed in the border area in Paletwa Township in southern Chin State, to monitor people who travel back and forth between Burma, Bangladesh, and India.

"We had to pay 500 kyats per trader to each army camp when we crossed the camps going to the neighboring countries Bangladesh and India. But the army authority is not collecting the toll from us at present. It has been arranged by authorities after the water festival."

The army authority is not only allowing traders to pass without paying tolls, but they are also allowing traders to pass without any harassment.

The woman said, "Really, army personnel behavior is changed right now and it is very different than it was previously. Some army officials told us in a friendly way to cast "Yes" votes in the referendum, and the explained to us that the referendum is very important for the future of Burma. If the constitution is approved by the Burmese people, they will get the same opportunities to move freely anywhere in the future."

Many traders are now arriving with Burmese goods in Bangladesh after the authorities have stopped collecting tolls and are allowing them to visit the neighboring countries freely.

Narinjara News