Authorities warn trespassers in Rakhine
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The Rakhine State government has warned against trespassing into houses and compounds which were destroyed or burned down in the sectarian violence that erupted in the area.
“We will take action [against violators] in accordance with the Development Affairs Law,” said Hla Thein, chief advocate the Rakhine state government.
‘No Trespassing’ signboards have been mounted on the burned houses since resettlement and reconstruction tasks have yet to be carried out.
However, some people have started rebuilding the burned structures or building new ones, while some others have tried to expand their land, build fences or settle without permission.
Authorities plan to carry out resettlement and reconstruction tasks step by step.
The Rakhine conflict that occurred in June and October left more than 10,000 houses burned down or destroyed.
Across Rakhine state, the United Nations is distributing emergency supplies of food and shelter to terrified refugees who have fled burning homes. A nighttime curfew is in force in several townships, including Mrauk-U.
But none of that has kept a small but steady trickle of determined tourists from travelling here to ogle at the monuments of this region's glorious past.
Mrauk-U has been spared the bloodshed between Buddhist and Muslims that has scarred other parts of Rakhine state. It is calm, and for foreign tourists, safe.
