Soldiers steal from Ye Town plantations

June 4, 2009

HURFOM: Soldiers and their families have reportedly stolen a variety of products for their own household usage and to sell in the markets. Plantation owners complained to the high ranking officers in the nearby army camp, but saw no reimbursement or apology.

According to the plantation owners, soldiers and their families frequently steal whatever they can get their hands on—lemon, coconut, durian, mangosteen, mango, betel nut, rambutan and santal.

Though theft of this type has been common in the past year, the plantation owners stated that the Burmese soldiers have begun to take more than ever before, sometimes carrying with them guns and knives.

The Infantry Battalion No. 61 camp is only two miles away from some of the plantations and soldiers reportedly come to the plantations every day.

“When I see soldiers stealing fruit I don’t dare complain because they have guns and often have at least 10 people in a group,” said a 50-year-old villager from Ye Town. “I have to work in my plantation for the whole year but I get less profit than the soldiers who do nothing.”

“I have to fear them because they have guns and many people,” said a woman, 35, in Ye Town. The soldiers also reportedly threaten women when they are alone in their huts, with no respect shown for the owners.

Villagers report a severe loss of income—besides the outright theft, they oftentimes have to pick their crops when they are still unripe and sell them for low prices.

“I am happy to pick [my crops] like that because I don’t want the soldiers to collect them,” said a 60-year-old villager. ‘I don’t want the wild animals to make a profit from my plantation.”

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News