Residents of Mawlamyine report that despite the alarming issue of missing persons in Mon State, relevant authorities—including the military council and the police—have failed to provide any assistance.
Mawlamyine residents close to the missing persons’ families reported that when they went to the relevant police stations to file missing person reports, they were asked for money upfront, and no on-site investigations were carried out.
A charity worker in Mawlamyine stated that with the recent rise in missing person cases, there is an urgent need for greater support from the relevant authorities.
“Every missing person case is linked to a criminal matter. Authorities should respond with full commitment when people come forward and report with trust. It shouldn’t be that investigations only begin after a body is found, or only when the case starts gaining attention online.Authorities must take prompt action as soon as the public reports a case with full trust,” he said.
According to those working to find missing persons, there are at least four complaints about crime-related missing persons a day in Mawlamyine, and the number of missing persons has increased since the military coup.
Data from a local missing persons forum indicate frequent reports of missing children, youth, and elderly individuals in Thanbyuzayat, Mudon, Mawlamyine, Chaungzon, and Paung Townships in Mon State—areas where gambling centers operate with the military council’s permission—as well as in Ye, Kyaikto, Thaton, and Belin Townships, where armed conflicts are ongoing.
On 21 May, a middle-aged man who transports the people by car from Mawlamyine to Yangon has been missing for more than 5 days, according to residents.
A resident of Mawlamyine warned that parents and guardians must be especially vigilant during the upcoming school opening season, as many missing school-age children and youths may be facing life-threatening situations while traveling to and from school.
“In fact, both parents and the environment play a crucial role. Parents with children need to be aware and concerned about these issues. Precautions must be taken from the moment children leave for school until they return home. It is no longer acceptable to just send them off without proper supervision. The number of missing cases will only decrease when we monitor them carefully,” the resident said.
He added that the recent death of a 14-year-old Grade 7 student who was kidnapped in Bago on 23 May is a devastating shock to parents.
Similarly, in Mon State, theft, robbery, missing person cases, and unjustified killings have increased since the military government widely permitted the opening of gambling centers.
Human rights activists state that since the military coup, the breakdown of the rule of law in the country has led to a rise in arbitrary killings and targeted assassinations within communities.
These acts have reportedly been carried out openly not only by the military council’s forces but also by armed resistance groups.
Sent by IMNA.