Junta’s security forces extort young men without Mon-State ID cards

January 8, 2025

HURFOM: Currently junta forces at security gates at the entrance and exit of Mawlamyine City, Mon State are extorting money from young men who do not hold the Mon-State (10/) ID cards.

In the last week of December, 2024, one security gate on the Mawlamyine – Mudon Highway Road extorted 10,000 MMK from a 26-year-old young man who held Karen-State (3/) ID card.

“The security gate on the Mawlamyine – Mudon Road part is always conducting checks. Now, they’re targeting young men and checking their phones and ID cards. They’re asking lots of questions. Those who don’t hold a 10/ ID card are extorted for 10,000 MMK,” said one young man.

Currently, junta’s security forces are conducting surprise checks on hotels, guest houses and residential apartments in Mawlamyine, and residents said they were searching for young men who hold 13/ Shan-State ID cards.

“They’ve instructed the hotels to get detailed information about the guests. Now, they’re targeting 13/ ID card holders,” said a Mawlamyine resident.

These actions are adding additional challenges for young men who need to travel.

“I don’t want to take young men who aren’t from our State. When the junta checks ID cards at the security gates, they ask lots of questions to those who don’t hold the 10/ ID cards. We have to pay lots of money. The security check is getting worse if they find young strangers. We have to pay money to avoid an unnecessary arrest,” said a bus driver.

Local residents said that after losing a military command in Northern Shan State, the military junta has been targeting young men who are originally from Shan State.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News