Junta collects personal data from plantation owners and workers and extorts money in Yebyu

November 14, 2023

HURFOM: In the first week of November, 2023, local people reported to HURFOM that the junta-appointed village Administrators were collecting personal data from plantation owners and workers in Yebyu Township, Tenasserim and then extorting them for money.

The Administrators demanded from each plantation owner or worker the following items; copies of their household lists and ID card, their photo, their area (acres) of plantation, and their job title.

During this data collection exercise, Administrators extorted money from the workers.

“In Kan Bauk, when providing information to the Administrators, a demand for 5,000 MMK was made to each worker. The plantation owners were not extorted. In other villages, workers were forced to pay between 3,000 or 4,000 MMK each. The amounts were different. After paying each person was given a witness card. When they come back to check on us, we have to show that card,” said a Kan Bauk resident.

The Mawrawaddy Navy Command and other Light Infantry Battalions are based in the Kan Bauk area, Yebyu Township and the regiments have tightened the security.

“If we provide our data to them, it looks like we’re officially documented and they (the junta) can’t treat us recklessly,” said a rubber plantation owner from the Kan Buak area.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News