Residents in Mawlamyine, Mon State, have expressed growing concerns about the military council’s ongoing collection of household registration copies in urban neighborhoods.

According to reports from local administrative teams, the copies are being collected under the instructions of the Township General Administration Department, citing reasons such as verifying records and updating voter lists. The collection effort has been underway in various neighborhoods in recent days.

“Each household is required to provide two copies of their household registration: one for the Ministry of Immigration and Population and one for the Township General Administration Department,” explained a member of the local administrative team.

A local woman voiced her concerns, suggesting the collection could also be used to scrutinize individuals eligible for military service.

“They say it’s for updating death and birth records, but we’re worried it might be related to military conscription or voter list updates. In Mawlamyine, we no longer dare go out at night, fearing random arrests. In some neighborhoods, they use excuses like checking guest lists to enter homes at night,” she said.

It is also reported that the military council intends to collect copies of household registration from all neighborhoods in Mawlamyine.

Additionally, the military council has been conducting nighttime inspections of guest lists after 10 PM, detaining those deemed suspicious.

There are also reports of arrests following raids on gatherings such as traditional performances and gambling circles.