Karen National Union (KNU)’s Karen National Police Force (KNPF) arrested 37 people last week, who were buying drugs at an orchard in Ahtwin Sakhan Gyi Village. Those arrested had travelled to the village by motorbikes. The village is between Yetakon and Sakhan Gyi villages within Thanbyuzayat Township of Mon State.
The arrests took place on May 7. Following the arrest, the KNPF imposed fines of 500,000 (5 Lakh) Kyat per arrested person in order for the individuals to be released, and another 5 Lakh per motorbike, which the KNPF impounded.
According to a statement issued by the No. (4) unit of the KNPF (Win Yay Township) the 5 Lakh fine was to avoid a 6-month imprisonment term. Release of the impounded motorcycles likewise cost an additional 5 Lakh.
“There are many Mon young people arrested from different Mon villages. Some young people are still there as no one [was able] to pay the fines and pick them up,” said a WaeKali Villager, who requested to remain anonymous.
Those arrested and released also had to take oaths and promise with their signature, they would no longer use drugs or get involved in drug matters. If they failed to maintain the promised, consequences would follow.
“I heard that 10 people from our village were arrested too. I do not know their names. But their parents went there secretly and paid the fines and took back their children,” said a Hpa-Nga Villager, who also asked for anonymity.
The Karen State Security and Border Affair Minister was reported to have negotiated with the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC-S) and the KNU Liaison office, though details were not confirmed at the time of publishing.
According to social media comments on the incident, drug users and other wrongdoers should face action in accordance with the law, but any innocent people must be released and let go home.Â
A lawyer, who asked for anonymity, commented that “The public has to face [dealings] with both authorities (the government and KNPF). The public also has to face charges [or consequences] from both sides.”
