The rising number of missing persons cases in Mon State has sparked growing concern among Mawlamyine residents, who say the military junta and police have yet to provide adequate assistance nor have they addressed the issue effectively.
According to those involved in search efforts, Mawlamyine sees at least four missing persons reports linked to criminal cases filed daily.
When family members approach local police stations, they are often asked for payments. In addition, the police reportedly do not conduct field investigations, which is contributing to an increase in unresolved cases. A local volunteer involved in community search efforts emphasised that public support is urgently needed.
“All of these missing person cases are linked to criminal activity. When that’s the case, and people make a report to the authorities, there should be genuine effort and engagement. But what often happens is that action is only taken after the body turns up or the case becomes viral online. That shouldn’t be the way—it’s when people first report the case that the authorities should be taking action,” said the volunteer.
Data from the “Missing Persons Hotline” indicates that disappearances—affecting both youth and older adults, including children—are increasingly common in areas with military-approved gambling operations such as Thanbyuzayat, Mudon, Mawlamyine, Chaungzon, and Paung, as well as conflict zones like Ye, Kyaikto, Thaton, and Bilin.
In Mon State, following the military junta’s approval of widespread gambling operations, incidents of theft, abductions, and unexplained killings have reportedly been on the rise.
According to one report, a young man who travelled by hired car from Mawlamyine to Yangon on May 21st has been missing for over five days.
Many long-term disappearance cases have heightened concerns over the safety and well-being of those missing. A Mawlamyine resident urged parents and guardians to exercise increased vigilance with school-age children ahead of the upcoming school year.
“In reality, families and their communities play an increasingly vital role. Parents of young children must remain vigilant. This is a serious issue that requires preventative measures from the moment children leave for and return from school. We can no longer be careless or send them off without caution. Close supervision of their movements is essential to reduce the risk of disappearances,” the resident said.
A similar sense of alarm was echoed following the tragic death of a 14-year-old student who had been abducted and later found dead in Bago on May 23rd.
Since the military coup, Myanmar has seen a breakdown in the rule of law, alongside increased lawlessness in communities. Human rights activists say that both junta forces and armed resistance groups are openly committing murder.
