The number of social workers in Mon State has decreased as the military council continues to arrest and imprison them, accusing them of political affiliations, according to sources.
While social group typically have around 20 members, security concerns have led to a decline in participation, with current membership falling below ten people, according to statements from rescue organizations.
A social worker from Kyaikto said that due to this situation, social aid operations are barely functioning.
“Some youth volunteers have stopped participating because they’re afraid after seeing others get arrested. The groups haven’t completely stopped, but some people are taking temporary breaks out of fear. Those who continue working are still active, while others have stepped back,” they explained.
As the number of active members decreases, relief operations have become more delayed.
Currently, about 20 social workers in Mon State have been arrested by the military junta, with approximately eight of them serving long prison terms, according to sources close to them.
A social worker from Ye town said that relief workers must operate under the junta’s threatening regulations, facing many challenges.
“The military council hasn’t set official laws. But, during meetings, they tell us not to get involved with or support resistance groups. For us, it’s impossible not to have contact when we travel between Karen villages. We often encounter them (resistance fighters) who jump onto our vehicles. We’re stressed being caught between the two sides,” the social worker said.
Social aid organizations must report to junta authorities when transporting emergency patients at night and are prohibited from providing assistance in areas where resistance groups are present.
On 9 October, the junta arrested three members, including the chairman of the Paing Shin Mae Social Aid Group in Thaton, charging them under the Counter-Terrorism Law for allegedly supporting the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs).
In June, the military junta filed charges under the Counter-Terrorism Law against U Myin Aung of the “Kawt San Nai” rescue team based in Kyaikto, his daughter Ma Chaw Su Yadana, and two other members.
Similarly, the junta arrested five members, including the chairman of the Lamaing Charity Youth Organization based in Lamaing, and frequently detains and interrogates social workers in Thanbyuzayat, Kyaikto, Bilin, and Thaton Townships.
Due to these circumstances, some social aid groups have suspended operations. The decrease in members has led to inadequate rescue services, resulting in preventable deaths, according to social workers.
U Saw Kyi Naing, junta’s spokesperson for Mon State and Minister of Social Affairs, told RFA that he has not heard about the arrests of social aid organization members and denied any restrictions on their activities.
Sent by IMNA.