Residents say that military junta checkpoints along the Hpa-An–Kawkareik–Myawaddy section of the Asian Highway in Karen State have been detaining young travelers for forced porter duty since the last week of June.
Porter duty can involve being used as a human shield and/or being forced to carry supplies for junta forces conducting military advances into high risk conflict zones.
According to an eyewitness who spoke to IMNA, on June 28th, at a military checkpoint near the entrance to Tanta Oo Village on the Hpa-An–Kawkareik road, passenger vehicles were being stopped and inspected, and at least 13 young men of military service age were arrested and taken away.
“I have witnessed at least 13 people being taken away that day. They were all young men. I’ve heard reports of people being seized for porter duty at other locations as well, but I didn’t personally see those incidents,” said a resident of Hpa-An.
Similarly, reports have emerged that four young men traveling on a passenger vehicle from Kawkareik to Myawaddy were seized on June 20. On June 25, more than 10 young men were taken for porter duty in Wae Karin Village along the Hpa-An–Kawkareik road. IMNA said it is still working to verify these reports.
According to a resident of Kawkareik, those targeted are primarily travelers passing through the area from other regions rather than local residents. He advised people to carefully check the security situation before traveling.
“People are saying they’re seizing travelers for porter duty, but we don’t know all the details. In any case, before traveling, make sure to check whether your route is safe. If you’re careless and end up in that situation, you’ll have to face the consequences yourself. No one will be able to help you,” he said.
Young people of conscription age who are detained at military checkpoints have reportedly experienced different outcomes. Some have been released after their parents or guardians paid money, while others have been cut off from contact with their families and quietly transferred to military training camps.
According to the daily records of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), more than 30,000 people have been arrested in Myanmar since the military coup, with over 10,000 remaining in detention.
