Local administrators in townships and villages across Ye, Mon State, are facing difficulties as they are pressured by the military junta’s subordinate groups to establish “people’s security forces”.
Since the junta formed the Central Oversight Committee for Public Security and Counterterrorism on August 16, it has been exerting pressure on township and village administrators to set up local public security teams.
Nai Naga, spokesperson for the Mon State Revolutionary Force (MSRF), told the Indepenent Mon News Agency that in some Mon villages in Ye Township, the junta’s Ahryutaung People’s Militia, led by the infamous Lain Oo group, is forcing village administrators to gather villagers to form these security forces.
“In Taungbon village, they’ve forced around 70 people to assemble, and in Taungpyin village, about 60 people have been gathered. We have a recorded conversation of a civilian speaking with a village administrator, although we won’t disclose which one. The Lain Oo group, along with some former officials, is pressuring village heads to gather people,” said Nai Naga.
Currently, village administrators have begun organizing meetings and collecting lists of villagers as part of the junta’s efforts to form these security forces. A local resident confirmed, “We’ve heard about people being forced to gather, and in some villages, meetings are being called. But the full details aren’t clear yet.”
Meanwhile, the Mon Revolutionary Forces have issued warnings against joining or collaborating with the junta’s public security and counterterrorism efforts, stating they will take decisive action against those involved. The Mon National Party’s spokesperson, Nai Banyar Mon, reinforced this, saying that village administrators in areas under their influence have been warned not to cooperate with the junta’s security initiatives.
“In areas where we, the New Mon State Party (AD), are active, we’re warning local administrators not to cooperate with the junta’s plans. If they do, we’ll take firm action,” said Nai Banyar Mon.
The military junta is pushing hard to establish these security forces, while the revolutionary forces are issuing stern warnings against participation. This has put village administrators in a difficult position, with some reportedly resigning from their posts due to the pressure.
Facing losses across the country, the junta initially tried to recruit men aged 18 to 35 for military service. Now, they are targeting men between 35 and 65 years old to form public security forces, increasing the strain on local leaders.
