Myanmar tightens security at entry points to stop terrorists

Myanmar has tightened security measures at the country's entry points including border check points and airports in its efforts to prevent terrorists from infiltrating into the country, Xinhua news agency reported, citing Myanmar News Agency.

First Vice President U Myint Swe warned a meeting of Foreigners Monitoring and Protection Central Committee (FMPCC) in Nay Pyi Taw Tuesday that the recent terrorist attacks in northern Rakhine State can damage the country's tourism industry and the situation demands security measures be stepped up at border points, the agency reported.

Extremist terrorists renewed attacks in the districts of Maungtaw and Buthidaung in Rakhine State in August, prompting Myanmar's security forces to counter the offensive, causing displacements of the local residents.

The vice president called for strict scrutiny of foreigners entering the country, while protecting normal international visitors, diplomats, personnel of UN agencies and non-governmental organisations as well as foreigners with other visas.

He added that defence against black-listed persons and terrorists can only be achieved through proper assessment and scrutiny.

Myanmar formed the 19-member FMPCC in June 2016 to effectively carry out tasks to scrutinise foreigners that enter the country and protect them.

There are four international exit and entry gates in Myanmar, namely Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports and Yangon International Thilawa Port. Besides there are 23 other border gates.

-- BERNAMA