Junta puts more restrictions on applicants filing visitor reports in Mawlamyine

March 27, 2023

HURFOM: In June 2022, the military junta instructed the General Administration Department to regularly collect and inspect “visitor reports” in Mawlamyine, the capital of the Mon State. These reports record personnel data on individuals visiting a household.

Previously such reports could be filed on behalf of an applicant but since June 2022 applicants must now file their “visitor report” directly with the Administration office in person and they must show their authentic ID card at the same time.

“When a visitor applies to complete a “visitor report” at the Administration office, officials check the applicant against their photo ID card, to ensure they match. They also look into the visitors, including what township the visitor is coming from,” said a person from Mawlamyine who has to file “visitor report” monthly.

Authorities also visit houses day and night to check if the houses did in fact accept “visitors”. During these inspections authorities also check to confirm occupants are on the household list. If a visitor fails to file for a “visitor report”, he/she is arrested or detained.

“We’ve stayed in a dormitory and had to file a monthly “visitor report”. Before, anyone could file a “visitor report” but now, the applicant must go to the office in person and he/she must also show his/her authentic ID card,” said a student staying in a dormitory in Mawlamyine.

The military junta has tightened security and is conducting more inspections and interrogations, which is negatively impacting peoples’ daily life.

“Cities are densely populated areas so in that case it’s acceptable to file “visitor report”. But those in the villages have to file a “visitor report” every time we have a visitor at our house. This is too much,” said a woman from a village in Mudon Township.

A local source told HURFOM that the military junta instructed the General Administration Department to collect and inspect monthly “visitor reports” on a monthly basis, in some wards in Mawlamyine. This has led to cases of authorities using the directive as another opportunity to extort money from those who must file “visitor reports”.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News