In Yephyu Township, Tanintharyi Region, displaced people reported that Security Commission forces have been urging them to return to their villages with threats. However, a safe return is not possible due to ongoing arrests and killings.
A Yephyu local said that soldiers have been threatening villagers, warning that anyone who does not return will be labeled as a supporter of resistance forces, and their homes will be raided, burned, and destroyed.
“What they tell villagers differs from place to place. Sometimes they gather the people and say, ‘Stay in the village; don’t be afraid. Those who haven’t come back yet must return.’ In other cases, they threaten to burn the whole village and demolish homes if people don’t return. They also say that anyone who stays away for too long will be assumed to be supporting the resistance. They claim they even have lists of who is connected with the resistance,” the resident explained.
Since August, Security Commission troops along the Malwe Taung–Kalein Aung road have been killing villagers, arresting them for use as human shields, and committing beatings and abuse.
Unable to resume normal life in their villages, some people have permanently fled since clashes intensified.
According to local sources, Security Commission troops have been conducting operations along the Malwe Taung–Kalein Aung road toward Sayar Mon, Yaphoo, Kywel Thalin, and Lauthine villages up until September 29th. To date, no clashes have occurred. Although some residents have returned, many remain displaced.
A resistance fighter operating in the area said the military is pressuring IDPs to return so they can use them as human shields, facilitate military operations, and mobilize support for the upcoming election.
“The consequence of their offensives is that people flee. So the army enters the villages and forces civilians to serve as shields. If there are no civilians, they can’t bomb. But when we can move freely, it becomes difficult for them. If civilians are there, we have to withdraw. They know this, so they pressure people to return. Another reason is to rally voters for the election,” he added.
Currently, Security Commission forces stationed in houses along the Malwe Taung–Kalein Aung road continue raiding, looting, and destroying property.
Although resistance forces have pulled back for the time being, they have warned that clashes could resume at any time. They urged returnees to prepare bomb shelters and stock up on food, fuel, and other necessities.
Since late August, heavy clashes have broken out between joint resistance forces and Security Commission troops along the Kalein Aung–Malwe Taung road in Yephyu Township, displacing more than 5,000 people from at least 10 villages.
Meanwhile, Security Commission units at the Malwe Taung checkpoint continue to restrict essential goods such as rice, cooking oil, and fertilizer. As of today, vehicles also face restrictions on the number of people they can transport.
