The military council has tightened inspections, and extortion become rampant at Ma Hlwe Taung checkpoint on the border of Mon State and Tanintharyi Region, according to travellers and drivers.
After the news emerged that the revolutionary forces would conduct an urban operation at Ma Hlwe Taung checkpoint, the military council has tightened inspection. Military council soldiers extort money from travellers, a traveller from Dawei said.
“Now it is not easy to carry goods. when a lot of rice bags are found in the back of the car, junta soldiers ask the drivers why are you carrying so much rice? It is not easy to carry goods. Some drivers don’t want to talk too much, so they pay money. For instance, the car is not allowed to go when the car includes travellers from Sagaing and Monywa. Do not go and ask them (military council soldiers) how many days to stay. It happened twice,” he said.
The junta soldiers mainly inspect men. They arrest some suspects, according to travellers.
A local from Dawei said: “The people are quite worried about passing through Ma Hlwe Taung checkpoint. They (junta soldiers) may open the cases under various sections if something is wrong. That’s why everyone is afraid. I don’t want to travel anymore. They target boys. They think all boys are members of the People’s Defense Force (PDF). That’s why there is absolutely no security for men when they travel.”
In addition to Ma Hlwe Taung checkpoint, the number of checkpoints has increased along Mon-Tanintharyi road after the military coup. Currently, the military council has tightened inspection and increased extortion from vehicles and passengers, according to locals.
Since early September, the military council has banned the passage of ambulances at roads and bridges in Tanintharyi Township, from 8 pm to 4 am, according to locals and social organizations.
Sent by IMNA