As the election approaches, the military junta has tightened inspections at town entry and exit checkpoints, according to an official from the Mon National Day Central Committee in Mawlamyine.
At town entry and exit points, authorities are stopping motorcycles and cars to check vehicle documents, as well as the identification of the people.
“I don’t know if it’s because the election is getting closer, but they check motorcycle licenses and ask where people come from and where they are going every time. The checks are getting stricter,” the person added.
In Mawlamyine, inspections have also been intensified along main roads, connecting routes, and roads leading to neighbouring towns. Security forces are reportedly conducting checks day and night, inspecting people, vehicles, and motorcycles.
One official from the Mon Unity party in Mawlamyine said that “checkpoints are operating 24 hours a day on major routes, with searches taking place on streets, in residential areas, and even near hotels and public places without fixed schedules.”
During this period of tightened election-related security, local monitoring groups reported cases of abuse of power, arbitrary checks, and arrests, including young people being detained under various pretexts.
