The Myanmar military on Wednesday denied that it is reinforcing troops in Rakhine state amid reports by civilians of a build-up of manpower, and said that its talks with the Arakan Army are still underway to prevent further clashes in the region, according to an RFA report.

The two sides have agreed to an unofficial cease-fire that expires today, a pact aimed at allowing the holding of elections that were cancelled in much of Rakhine last month.

Myanmar military spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun said the military has been working with AA troops to avoid armed combat, though there are growing concerns among local civilians that the fighting will resume after December and after a failure to hold elections in key Rakhine townships.