According to local sources, the military junta has intensified security checks and arbitrary arrests of young people in Ye Township, Mon State.
Since the third week of April, junta troops have set up ambush points along main roads, village entrances, and areas near military bases throughout the township. Young travelers have become primary targets for stop-and-search operations.
A local man from Ye said the increased scrutiny stems from frequent attacks by resistance forces, including the Ye Blue group, on junta bases and checkpoints in the area. Local reports say, authorities are questioning youth based on the suspicion of having ties to the resistance movement.
“They only target young people. If they see them on the road, they don’t let them go easily, they interrogate them. Older people aren’t asked much. It doesn’t happen every day, but before Thingyan, they were checking near Kundu, and after Thingyan, near Koryinlay junction, Pawthtaw village junction, Tumyaung village junction, and more recently in Ahryutaung,” said a local source.
On May 1st, junta forces stationed at the Ahryutaung village checkpoint detained four young men traveling on motorcycles, then taking them away along with their vehicles.
In at least three separate arrest incidents in Ye Township in May alone, families and local administrators had to intervene with bribes or negotiations to secure the release of young people, sources said.
“Young people say they’re being stopped even just for going outside the village. They’re checking at road junctions too. Because of the strict inspections, people are now avoiding going toward Ye town altogether,” said a local young woman.
Similar conditions are reported in northern parts of Ye Township, where new checkpoints have been established on both the eastern and western sides of the main highway. Locals say these new security posts have made travel increasingly difficult.
Troops from Infantry Battalions 343 and 587, based in Ahryutaung, are reportedly leading the operations. In addition to tightening inspections and expanding checkpoints, there are accusations of them extorting money from locals.
Military camps and checkpoints in Ye Township continue to face frequent ambushes and attacks by joint resistance forces, including the Ye Blue group, resulting in increased repression and military activity in the area.
