Bunkers are being built at newly fortified police stations in almost all towns in Ayeyarwady Region, according to local sources.

Officers at undermanned stations in rural areas of Kyaunggone, Yegyi, and Myaungmya townships have been relocated to police stations inside cities, members of the police community told DVB.

“I heard that a new bunker was built in May. They have sharp-edged fences made from bamboo. Police are preparing for possible attacks, even if the stations have not yet been targeted. Police from other outposts have also been relocated inside the town,” a resident of Maungmya told DVB.

A police officer said that, previously, trenches were only dug at border guard police stations in Rakhine State but are now appearing in towns and cities in other parts of the country.

“They are usually built in police stations in border areas. Numerous police stations, having weak defenses, might have increased fears of sudden attacks,” he added.

Locals raised concerns that the fortification of police stations may suggest that fighting will break out in the region. A Maubin resident said the thick fence now surrounding the police station in the town made the outpost look like something from a battlefield.

“In the past, the police station could be clearly seen from a distance. But now, we can only see its roof,” he said. “Police have a responsibility to protect the people, but now they are only protecting themselves. Residents are worried about what may happen.”

Resistance forces have attacked numerous police stations across the country with explosives and firearms since the formation of armed resistance forces last September. Similar fortifications may now be seen around police stations, checkpoints, and traffic control points across Burma, including central Yangon.

The Burmese military recently integrated the Myanmar Police Force under its command structure.