According to the local residents, extortion requests are being made to those passing through military junta checkpoints in various locations in Mawlamyine, and Kyaikmarraw townships.
A local resident reported that military junta troops stationed on Kalagon Cave Road in Kyaikmarraw township are demanding 5,000 kyats from individuals who do not produce their National Registration Card (NRC). The same thing is happening at checkpoints along the Kyaikmarraw-Mawlamyine highway
“Those who are checked must pay 5,000 kyats, and entering the gate requires a payment of up to 15,000 kyats. As the war has reached our area, we must assess the situation and navigate accordingly. They shouldn’t do that. Also, the language used by the military junta is very disrespectful,” he said.
Demands for money are taking place at security gates and checkpoints throughout Mon State.
“When we go to Kyaikmarraw, we encounter a checkpoint where they request a National Registration Card (NRC). Despite having a motorcycle license, the military junta does not accept it. I had to pay 5,000 kyats simply because I didn’t have an NRC,” said one resident of Mawlamyine.
A traveller from Mawlamyine enroute to Yangon, reported that “a man in a police uniform approached to inspect the car. He inquired about our destination and then requested 5,000 kyats. They are demanding money at checkpoints on the roads like that.”
According to local residents, following the outbreak of conflict in Kyaikmarraw township on November 10th, heightened security measures and increased checks by military junta troops are occurring across the state.
