Residents of Paung Township in Mon State are reportedly being subjected to arrests and extortion by the military junta for failing to comply with local orders. According to locals, the junta has issued strict rules, including bans on two men riding a motorcycle together and a nighttime curfew. Those who violate these orders are being forced to pay bribes or face arrest.
“The police are exploiting the local orders for their own gain. While the orders were initially accepted as necessary, it seems the police are now using them as a way to extort money from the people,” said a resident of Paung.
The military junta first issued the ban on two men riding a motorcycle together, as well as a curfew from midnight to 4 a.m., in 2023. These measures were imposed following frequent armed clashes in Paung Township, where junta forces and police officers are often targeted.
Locals report that violators of these orders are being fined between 300,000 and 1,000,000 kyats by police officers affiliated with the junta, raising concerns about corruption and abuse of power.
