Migrant workers and rubber plantation owners in the northern part of Ye Township, Mon State, have said that, due to ongoing instability in the region, they are compelled to use documents issued by both the military council and the revolutionary forces operating in the area.
Locals have reported that farm owners and workers from Mawt Ka Nin, Thaung Pyin, Koh Doot, and Laming villages in northern Ye must obtain a permit card from the Mawt Ka Nin-based (106) Battalion in order to be allowed to work on the plantations.
On the other hand, the revolutionary forces active in the area require migrant workers coming to the region to apply for documents citing security reason.
“Not only the military council but also the revolutionary forces are also requiring farm owners and workers to apply for permit cards to access the farms. People who are forced to obtain documents from both the military council and the revolutionary forces could face difficulties. For example, there may be issues if the revolutionary forces see a card issued by the military council. We’re also worried that the military council might take issue with a card issued by the revolutionary forces,” said a local from northern Ye.
However, farm owners and workers are required to apply for permit cards in areas controlled by the revolutionary groups, rather than those issued by the military council.
The military council charges 5,000 kyats per farm for a permit to enter. In contrast, the revolutionary forces only require migrant workers to process the necessary documents, rather than the farm owners. A migrant worker must pay around 30,000 kyats for the required paperwork.
A plantation owner said, “The document is essential for hiring migrant workers. Plantation owners are held responsible if the workers commit theft or any wrongdoing. We are required to show the card when asked. However, we have to hide the cards because the military council threatens to arrest and take action against anyone caught with them.”
According to local residents, the military council has forced plantation owners to apply for cards in order to access the farms. The military has threatened to label both owners and workers as PDFs (People’s Defense Forces) if they are unable to show the cards during security checks.
In addition to the ongoing military tension between the military council forces and the revolutionary groups operating in northern Ye, both the rubber industry and plantations are struggling to operate effectively due to frequent arrests and inspections.
Currently, rubber is fetching a good price in the Mon State market. However, rubber farmers are facing significant challenges due to the ongoing regional instability.
Sent by IMNA