Authorities in Kyaikto and Bilin Townships of Mon State have been detaining residents on suspicion of links to the People’s Defense Force (PDF). In recent days, at least five men, including two minors, have been arrested, according to local sources.
On November 11, three males, including two underage boys, were arrested in Theinzayat town, Kyaikto Township. Two more men traveling by motorcycle from Bilin to Thaton were detained on November 13.
The arrests were reportedly made after junta officials examined the detainees’ mobile phones and alleged connections to the PDF. Some of those arrested are accused of attending PDF training sessions, according to local reports.
The Thaton District PDF, however, has denied any association with the arrested minors.
“The junta is making these claims, but we don’t have records of these boys in our ranks. We don’t accept underage recruits, typically taking in those over 18 who have already completed military training. In some cases, we’ve returned minors to their families or provided them temporary shelter to protect them from forced recruitment by the military,” said Ko Aye Min Tun, a PDF representative.
He added, “Arrests often serve as a pretext for extortion. If bribes aren’t paid, the military files false charges of PDF affiliation. This is a recurring tactic.”
Two of the three youths arrested in Theinzayat have been charged under anti-terrorism laws, according to the military junta-supporting Telegram channel.
Human rights activists say these arrests are part of the junta’s broader strategy to isolate youths from resistance groups. Nai Aue Mon, a representative of the Human Rights Foundation of MonLand said, “the military junta fears the growing influence of the PDF and takes action even based on unverified information. These arrests are designed to intimidate other youths and prevent them from joining the resistance. Unfortunately, they often involve unlawful detentions, torture, or extortion before release.”
Since the military coup in 2021, Mon State has seen an increasing number of arrests of youths accused of aiding the PDF. Additionally, rescue social workers have also faced a growing wave of detentions.
