Due to heightened inspections by junta soldiers at various checkpoints along the Htantabin-Taungoo road linking Htantabin Township and Taungoo Township in Bago Region, young volunteer aid workers are reluctant to travel to Taungoo to assist internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The soldiers of the military council at the Ta Pyay checkpoint in Htantabin are significantly increasing inspections of young people passing through, arresting and detaining them on suspicion, and conducting checks of virtual private network (VPNs) on mobile phones. As a result, they no longer dare to travel to provide assistance to IDPs, said a local from Htantabin.
“They are afraid to go anywhere due to the risk of being arrested during inspections. Young men do not dare to pass through Tapyay Htantabin checkpoint. There have been threats that youths could be arrested in the villages. It is convenient to go to Taungoo by car. Sometimes junta soldiers check mobile phone to see if VPNs are installed. Youths are afraid to travel there by motorcycle. They fear that they might be checked or arrested if they walk their motorcycles, said youths.
Due to armed conflicts in the area following the coup, internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Thandaung, Leiktho, Kyaukgyi, Mone, outer Htantabin, and Zayetgyi have sought refuge in Taungoo. Currently, the number of IDPs who are taking shelter in religious buildings has exceeded 5,000, according to social organizations.
Small and large social organizations and donors are providing them with rations and medicines. Small non-resident organizations and philanthropic youths are encountering difficulties in providing social assistance due to the ongoing events.
An official of social organization from the town said, “There is no problem in the downtown. Junta soldiers inspect the entry and exit of the youths. Junta soldiers mainly inspect suspects. Only organizations they are familiar with and those that have submitted official letters are allowed to pass through the checkpoint. Some people arrive without being aware of the regional situation. If they can’t prove the reason, they might get arrested. In some cases, we have to submit letters.”
In May, for men from Zayatgyi who returned from Taungoo were detained by the military council at Htantabin-Tapyay checkpoint, said those close to them.
Similarly, the military council has tightened security and inspections at the checkpoints along Taungoo-Thandaung-Leiktho road.
The military council is reportedly engaging in physical assaults against travelers and drivers, committing sexual assaults on women, and arresting young philanthropists under accusations of funding PDFs (People’s Defense Forces), according to locals.
Sent by KIC.