Junta Targets Political Opposition Members

August 12, 2024

During the second week of August, the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) reported on several cases of civilians continuing to be targeted in the offensives perpetrated by the junta. The same criminal acts of terror are being used by the Burma army to evoke fear and uncertainty. This has included the targeting of opposition members. These politically motivated arrests speak to the deep and long-held concerns of members of the regime who fear democracy more than bullets.

On the morning of August 1st, joint forces from the junta sealed the home of U Aye Soe, the administrator of Kyike Kaw ward in Suwannawadi town, Thaton Township, Mon State. This action came after his arrest at his residence in the second week of July. Aye Soe had served since the NLD government and continued his role under the military junta. However, he was accused of being a member of the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) and charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act. He is currently detained at Thaton Prison.

Moreover, the junta has detained and questioned at least seven people from Thaton town and Thein Seik village, accusing them of having ties to U Aye Soe. Since the military coup in Thaton Township, the military has sealed at least 15 houses, including those belonging to parliament members and activists.

Enforced disappearances are also a constant worry, as many detainees do not come back after junta interrogations. A worker from the Lwi Remonnya gas station at Hnit Kayin Road Junction has been missing for four days since their arrest. On July 29th, the junta detained the worker after discovering ‘illegal’ content on their phone.

Following clashes near the village between junta forces and revolutionary joint forces, the junta searched the phones of two workers from the Lwi Remonnya gas station, who had been asked for transportation assistance with two vehicles.

“They inspected the phone and found a friend on Facebook who is a member of the People’s Defense Force. Then, they arrested him. They haven’t allowed anyone to see him,” said a local from Ye.

One of the two detained workers was released on July 29, according to another local from Ye. However, the 15-year-old worker has been out of contact with their employer and family for four days, and the vehicles used for transportation assistance have also been confiscated. Due to daily clashes along Ye-Thanbyuzayat Road No. 8, junta forces have intensified searches of motorcycles, passenger vehicles, and travellers’ mobile phones.

Meanwhile, artillery attacks continue to undermine civilian safety and security. On July 28th, junta troops advancing on the Bay Lamine village tract in Ye Township, Mon State, fired artillery shells and temporarily stationed near Lane Maw Cham village. At 4 PM, artillery shells hit Aung Thayar village, injuring 85-year-old Daw Yin May.

These attacks, aimed directly at civilians, exacerbate financial difficulties and insecurity for many in Burma due to the junta’s terroristic actions. The international community has delayed action for too long. However, it is not too late. They must act with integrity and conviction to ensure the junta is held responsible for their prolonged crimes against innocent people.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under Analysis, News