Young men detained under local military curfews and restrictions in Myanmar's Mon State are being forced to pay exorbitant ransoms to secure their release, according to residents and victims' families.
In a recent incident in Mudon Township on August 5, four plainclothes junta personnel intercepted two young men riding a motorcycle along the Lettet-Winkamaw road around 6 p.m.
The youths were taken into custody for allegedly violating a local decree that prohibits two men from riding on the same motorcycle.
To secure their release, their families were forced to negotiate a ransom directly with military officials.
“At first, they demanded 20 million kyat,” a resident said. “They eventually agreed to 15 million kyat [approx. $3,500–$4,500 USD]. The family transferred the money via KPay [a mobile payment service], and the two were released.”
Despite the payment, junta personnel confiscated their motorcycle, mobile phones, and other personal valuables, which have not been returned.
The incident is part of a broader pattern of extortion across Mon State. On July 30, youths in Kamawet returning from gathering traditional Waso offering flowers were arrested by a joint junta force and subjected to ransom demands.
Residents in Thaton and Paung townships also report daily arrests under local bylaws, with detainees required to pay to avoid prolonged detention.
Sources report that detained youths are being moved between various holding sites, including immigration offices, police stations, military barracks, and commercial KTV venues.
Local observers link the surge in arbitrary arrests to the junta's aggressive conscription drive under the People’s Military Service Law.
As fewer young men remain in towns due to draft evasion, authorities have intensified random detentions—targeting not only civilians but also family members of civil servants and police officers to fulfill recruitment targets or extract bribes.
Junta authorities in several Mon State townships have recently re-issued strict local decrees. Current restrictions prohibit two men from riding a motorcycle together, forbid men from riding as passengers behind female drivers, and enforce curfews after 9 p.m.
