TANINTHARYI DIVISION – It is reported that military soldiers are extorting money from pilgrims at Pawtawmu Pagoda in Kalwin Village, Myeik Township.
One of the victims said, “The soldiers here checked the mobile phones of the pilgrims. Identification cards and motorcycle licenses are checked. Even with the documents present, they asked for 50,000 kyats for each person. They stated that if we refuse to pay, we will be taken to the office to settle. So, we had to pay them.”
The soldiers often extort money from the pilgrims, and because of this threat, fewer pilgrims visit the pagoda and the vendors selling goods in the temple precincts are also facing difficulties, stated the residents.
A female resident said, “When my friend and I were sitting down at the foot of the Pagoda to talk, three soldiers came with guns. They then brought us to their camp and demanded 50,000 each for disobeying the order they issued.”
“The soldiers who extorted us were wearing navy uniforms. Some of the victims also encountered extortion by men in civilian clothes. Many pilgrims have faced such demands for money,” she continued.
Over ten military soldiers are stationed in the office of the trustees of the pagoda to reportedly provid security to the military officers and businessmen playing golf at the golf course area at the base of Pawtawmu Pagoda Hill.