Armed group extorts money from villagers in Khaw Zar

November 2, 2023

HURFOM: Local people reported to HURFOM that an armed group is extorting money from their villages in Khaw Zar Sub-township, Ye Township, Mon State. The armed group has been demanding payments of between 50,000 MMK to 170,000 MMK per household.

The villagers must give the money to the village Administrator’s offices or village monasteries.

“The group has decided the amount per household. Rich households must pay up to 170,000 MMK. There have been different amounts – some households had to pay 50,000 MMK or 100,000 MMK,” said a local woman.

In addition, villagers who own vacant land plots are also being extorted, up to 50,000 MMK/plot.

“We’ve also been extorted for our vacant land plots. We’ve asked why and they replied, so that we would be safe when we construct a house on the land plot. I haven’t paid the money yet,” said the local woman.

Villagers are having difficulty paying the extortion money. People’s livelihoods are under great pressure from the political and economic instability, high commodity prices and low market price for crops like betel nut.

“Those who can’t pay the money must report to their office,” said a local woman.

Local villagers are afraid to name the armed group fearing for their lives.

Kyone Nyae, Mi Htaw Hlar Lay, Mi Htaw Hlar Gyi and Ka Byar Wa villages in Khaw Zar Sub-township have all been extorted by armed groups.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News