In Ye Township, Mon State, the People’s Security and Counter-Terrorism Force, established by the military junta, is reportedly serving only the junta’s security needs, according to local residents.
More than 50 locals participated in training for the force in September 2024, but its impact on community safety remains unclear.
“We’re unsure if the force is meant for public security or just for the junta. Though the training ended months ago, most members are back to their usual jobs, like rubber tapping and farm work. The junta hasn’t assigned them any security duties,” said a source close to the Ye Township administrative body.
Meanwhile, crimes such as theft and drug-related incidents continue unabated, with no intervention from the force, residents report.
The trained members, who are unpaid and not permitted to carry weapons, have expressed frustration, according to individuals familiar with the matter.
The junta announced the establishment of the People’s Security and Counter-Terrorism Force’s central command on August 16, 2024. Nationwide, the force reportedly has around 10,000 trained members, divided into armed security groups and general security units. They are expected to ensure security during the 2025 general election.
The Mon Progress Party (MPP) stated that approximately 1,000 members of the force would be deployed for election-related security, with similar deployments planned in other states and regions.
“Those trained can join broader security efforts if they choose. They’ll be paid and trained further under the title of counter-terrorism. However, the ultimate aim is to provide election security,” said a founding member of the MPP.
The junta has also outlined plans to equip the force with advanced weapons and provide additional training for effective combat strategies.
Since August, men aged 35 to 65 in Ye, Bilin, and Kyaikto Townships have been forcibly recruited into the People’s Security and Counter-Terrorism Force, according to local sources.
The New Mon State Party – Anti-Military Dictatorship (NMSP-AD), has publicly condemned forced recruitment and warned of consequences for those participating in the junta’s activities.
