A police source said the Chief Minister of Rakhine State is considering for establishment of a local police force in the Muslim majority areas in Rakhine State. Under the plan, the police force will recruit the local Rakhine Buddhist and the force will have permission to carry arms. The unnamed source said the Chine Minister U Nyi Pu indicated on formation of such police force during his meeting with the members of the local community from Maungtaw Township during a tour to the town during 27 to 29 October. Chief Minister was quoted as saying that “any youth who are interested to protect the Maungtaw region would be recruited in the new local police force”. The Chief Minister was accompanied during the trip by the Head of Myanmar Border Guard Force Police Major General Thura San Lwin. Ref : Rakhine Gazette Facebook, 29 October, 2016.