According to local residents, young men detained under local orders in Mudon Township, Mon state, have been forced to pay exorbitant sums to secure their release.
At around 6 p.m. on August 5, four plainclothes men stopped and searched two young men who were riding a motorcycle along the Lettet- Winkamaw road before taking them into custody.
The two young men were detained for allegedly violating a local order prohibiting two men from riding on the same motorcycle. A Mudon resident said the men’s families were forced to negotiate and pay 15 million kyats for their release.
“Negotiations over the money took place between the military and the parents. At first, they demanded 20 million kyats. Later, they said the two would be released if 15 million kyats were paid in full. The family member transferred the money via KPay, and the two young men were then released,” one resident said.
However, their phones, motorcycle and other valuables have not been returned, according to the resident.
On July 30, young people from Kamawet who were returning from Waso flowers were also arrested by a joint team from the military council and subsequently subjected to extortion demands.
Similarly, local residents said that people arrested for violating local orders in Thaton and Paung Township in Thaton District are being detained on a daily basis, with some having to pay money to secure their release.
The detained young men are reportedly being moved between held at various locations, including immigration offices, Township police stations, military battalions and KTV venues.
The military council has been searching for and arresting people who are due to attend various batches of the People’s Military Service. As fewer young people are being apprehended, authorities have reportedly begun arresting not only family members of civil servants but also family members of police officers.
Some townships in Mon State have again been warned to comply with local orders. The restrictions prohibit two men from riding on the same motorcycle, men from riding as passengers behind a female driver, and anyone travelling after 9 p.m.
