The military junta has increased night-time inspections in Taunggyi, Shan State, arresting civilians to serve as porters, with detainees being released only after paying a large sum of money, according to local sources.
Since November, the junta has intensified inspections, with soldiers primarily arresting men who are out at night. Those detained are released only after paying a two-digit sum in kyats, according to a local woman.
A local woman said, “Those with money can pay hundreds of thousands for release, while the poor are forced to substitute for them. It’s turned into a massive bribery market.”
In addition, a 45-year-old woman said that on 14 December, around 20 young people were arrested in Kan Auk Ward, Taunggyi.
The woman said, “On 14 December, 20 people were arrested in Kan Auk Ward. I haven’t heard what happened yet, but the military has been conducting intensive checks near La Da Kone in the town.”
As most of the detainees are from the grassroots level, news about them vanishes after their arrests. According to local residents of Aye Thar Yar in Taunggyi Township, the junta is secretly sending them to military training camps and the front lines.
The investigation is ongoing to gather more information about the youths who were arrested and forced to serve as porters.
More than 140 youths were arrested during the Tazaungdaing festival in Taunggyi, given military training and sent to the front line, and women were among the youths who were arrested.
The conscription law, which came into effect on 10 February 2024, has had many negative effects on the future of young and middle-aged people in Myanmar.
Currently, junta soldiers, police, and ward administrative bodies are exploiting the law as a means to generate income.
Sent by Shan News
