Buthidaung: Burma's Prime Minister, Lt. General Thein Sein, is reportedly visiting northern Arakan on 16 March, although details on the reason of his visit to the area remain unknown, said a government official on the condition of anonymity.

However, local people in the area believe the Prime Minister's visit to northern Arakan is related to the upcoming election.

"We do not know why he is coming to our town but I am sure he will meet with army officials and families in the Buthidaung cantonment, as well as other government officials in the town during his visit to Buthidaung," the official said.

Authorities are now preparing for his visit in two western border towns - Buthidaung and Maungdaw - where the population is predominately Muslim.

"He will arrive in Buthidaung on 16 March by helicopter. We are preparing everything in our town for his tour. After Buthidaung, he is likely to visit Maungdaw on the western Burmese border," he said.

According to local sources, high authorities in Maungdaw are now preparing ground for the landing of the PM's helicopter, while also beefing up security in the two townships with additional army and police forces.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive in Sittwe, the capital of Arakan, today. Afterwards he is expected to visit several towns throughout Arakan State, including Buthidaung and Maungdaw.

Former ousted Prime Minister Lt. General Khin Nyunt visited Arakan State several times a year, but the current prime minister rarely visits.

Many Arakanese are reportedly interested in this visit of the prime minister to Arakan because it is a very crucial time in Burma with the election planned for this year.

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