Detail questions in census frighten local villagers

October 8, 2024

HURFOM: The military junta announced they are conducting the national census from October 1^st to 15^th, 2024. Soldiers, police members, staff from the Immigration Department, schoolteachers and staff and officials from the General Administration Department are tasked with conducting the census.

The census is being conducted door to door in wards and villages across Mon State.

However, villagers report to HURFOM that detailed questions in the census are causing them worry about their safety and security.

“They said they came for the census. They asked us very detailed questions. How many family members do we have? Which country did our children go to? How much do we earn? What are our belongings? At which age I got married? Then, what type of stove do we use; natural gas? Wood? Or charcoal? They asked everything. They asked as many questions as they had time. It took half an hour for each household. Because their questions are so detailed, we are worried about our family’s safety and we are frightened,” said a resident from Maw Ka Nin village, Ye Township.

Now, the junta has been arresting young men and forcing them to join “compulsory military service” so parents are worrying about revealing information related to their children who are eligible for the conscript age range.

“I’m worrying a lot as my children meet the criteria for military service. Anyhow, all the information is in their hands so we don’t know what happens next. As a parent, I’m worrying a lot,” said a mother.

In Ye Township, the junta is launching indiscriminate artillery attacks more frequently while the national census is being conducted.

The junta also reinforced their troop presence on the roads between villages and is strictly interrogating pedestrians, according to the local sources.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News