After being armed by junta, local militia group extorts money from villagers

August 2, 2024

HURFOM: On July 24th, 2024, the Mawlamyine based Southeast Military Command armed a local militia group led by Nine Lin Oo. The group is based in R Yu Taung village, Ye Township, and claimed it needed weapons and ammunition to maintain security in the area.

The R Yu Taung militia group has been active in R Yu Taung, Hnin Zone, Kwan Du, Sone Nat Thar, Hman Sein and Set Twelve villages.

“They have about 40 members. After getting arms from the junta, they installed two check-points in R Yu Taung village tract. Then, they began to extort money from villagers who passed the gates. They also patrol nearby villages with guns,” said an R Yu Taung resident.

HURFOM has learned that the militia group also installed check-points in Ka Log and Pay Lay Sell villages in Northern Ye Township.

“In Ka Log, they’ve installed check-points at village markets and crowded areas. Now, shopkeepers and plantation owners are worrying about their security,” said a Ka Log villager.

Ever since the February 1, 2021 coup, junta-appointed village Administrators and members of local militia groups have been targeted by resistance forces. In February, 2023, the junta approved a law allowing government staff and particular citizens to hold arms and ammunition.

After being armed by the juntas, Administrators and leaders of local militia groups have been abusing and threatening villagers with guns.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News