The rescue social workers in Mon State have decreased significantly as Myanmar’s military junta intensifies arrests and detentions, accusing them of political involvement.
Typically, local rescue groups have around 20 members, but due to security concerns, participation has dwindled, with many groups now operating with fewer than ten active members, according to rescue organizations.
A rescue worker from Kyaikto said, “Although groups are still operational, many young volunteers are afraid to join due to recent arrests. Some are taking temporary breaks out of fear, while others continue their work. The groups haven’t disbanded but are smaller.”
This decrease in membership has caused delays in essential rescue activities, according to the organizations. Approximately 20 rescue social workers have been detained in Mon State, with around eight serving long prison sentences, sources close to the workers report.
A volunteer in Ye Township said, “the military junta has no formal law against aid work, but they warn us to avoid any involvement with resistance groups. Operating between Karen villages, we often cross paths with resistance fighters, creating stress and concern for our safety.”
The rescue teams report that they must inform the junta before transporting emergency cases at night and are forbidden from providing assistance in resistance-controlled areas.
On October 9, the military junta detained three members of the “PSM” rescue team in Thanbyuzayat Township, charging them with supporting the People’s Defense Force (PDF) under the Counter-Terrorism Law. In June, four members of the “Kaw Sa Naing” rescue team, including U Myint Aung and his daughter Ma Chaw Su Yatanar, were also charged under the same law.
The junta has detained numerous rescue social workers in Thanbyuzayat, Kyaikto, Bilin, and Thaton townships, often interrogating them. This situation has forced some rescue organizations to suspend operations, while others struggle with reduced membership, leading to delays that, in some cases, have resulted in preventable patient deaths.
The junta’s spokesperson for Mon State, U Saw Kyi Naing of the Ministry of Social Welfare, denied knowledge of any arrests of rescue social workers or restrictions on rescue activities, telling RFA that no such actions had been taken.
