Local resistance alliance has issued a warning to plantation owners near Ahr Yu Taung village in Ye Township, Mon State, restricting travel to their plantations for approximately 10 days.
The travel restriction, effective from 1 to 10 November, applies to plantations near Ahr Yu Taung village and surrounding areas including Ywar Thit, Ywar Ka Lay, and Taung Sun. Local residents report that no specific reason was given for the restrictions.
A local from the Ahr Yu Taung area said that plantation work has been temporarily suspended due to the warning.
“The resistance groups aren’t allowing entry to the plantations in the Ywar Thit, Ywar Ka Lay, and Taung Sun areas. They’ve set a 10-day restriction. They told us not to enter the plantations during this period, so villagers have had to stop their plantation work,” the resident said.
The same local source reported that resistance groups, including Ye Balu and Padekaw, have been conducting frequent ground operations in these areas.
Following the travel restriction announcement, the military council-affiliated militia led by Lin Oo has intensified village security checks. In addition, Light Infantry Battalions 343 and 587, based near Ahr Yu Taung village, have been carrying out daily artillery strikes indiscriminately, according to locals.
“Lin Oo-led groups have been conducting checks at village entry points in full military uniform. Locals encounter armed groups wherever they go. Even when they’re not doing anything specific, their armed presence during checks makes everyone fearful,” the resident explained.
Locals speculate that these developments could lead to fighting in Ye Township. Plantation owners express concern about financial losses, as they’ve had to suspend operations during the peak rubber price season.
Ahr Yu Taung village is known for its strong militia presence, with the military junta providing weapons to these groups. The checkpoints around Ahr Yu Taung and nearby villages are collecting fees from travelers, according to locals.
These junta and militia checkpoints have been frequently targeted in joint attacks by Ye Balu and Karen National Union (KNU) Brigade 5 forces.
Currently, Mon resistance forces have warned locals to avoid living near military council outposts and camps, and to prepare for increased military operations in the coming dry season.
Sent by IMNA.