Rumors of military extortion frighten night workers

March 17, 2021

HURFOM: The military junta has banned traveling at night from 8 pm to 4 am in Mawlamyine, Kyaik Hto, Paung, Chaung Zone, Thanbyuzayat and Ye Townships of Mon State.

There are now rumors military forces are arresting and extorting rubber plantation workers who travel to their plantations to tap rubber trees. Rubber sap harvesters must do their work when the temperature is cooler (night time to early morning) because that is when the rubber sap flows freely. These workers are now afraid of going to their own plantations during the curfew hours.

“We’ve heard that rubber plantation workers from Mudon were arrested and soldiers extorted 300,000 Kyats from them. After hearing that news, workers/owners dare not go to their plantation. They won’t go to their plantations until 4 am,” said a worker from Thanbyuzayat.

The curfew has meant production rates have declined as well as incomes.

“The worker can go to the plantation only after 4 am. Normally, we go to the plantation at about 10 pm and are back home at 7 am. We have to worry about our family members so it’s not possible to stay and work at the plantation,” said a plantation owner from Mudon.

Due to the security concerns, workers are also travelling in groups.

“Extortion is a small problem but getting arrested is a big deal. We’ve frightened if they arrest us and then they will use us as forced laborers,” said a Thanbyuzayat resident.

During the day, armed forces of the military junta are based in public areas and check the movement of the civilians, so villagers have a fear of being unsafe.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News