YANGON DIVISION – In some townships of Yangon, a large number of junta soldiers and police forces have been going around the wards and streets and seizing motorcycles, sidecars, and battery bikes.
In addition to seizing bikes from the riders in the neighborhood, the bicycles parked in front of the house and inside the house were also reportedly confiscated.
A resident of Thingyangyun Township said, “A lot of motorcycles, sidecars, and battery bikes from our neighborhood were seized by the junta troops. We saw three cars going around the alleys taking away the seized vehicles.”
Around 50 motorcyclists in and around the Ngamoeyeik Market have been arrested on July 23, reported the locals of Thingangyun Township.
“We couldn’t have our bikes back. The junta troops told us they confiscated these bikes under a strategic plan and would not return them. Owners of expensive bikes are asking how they could get/buy them back,” said a person who had his bike taken away.
A resident of Northern Dagon Myothit reported that they were also facing similar issues and dared not go out on motorbikes.
“Yesterday, when I went out, I saw a group of junta troops seizing the bikes and had to drive away from them. These guys no longer wait on the main road like before but went around the town in cars (to seize the motorbikes),” said the resident of Northern Dagon Myothit.
Military Council outposts, their troops, and affiliates were attacked by urban revolution force members on motorcycles and battery bikes. The junta troops used to inspect and arrest bikes in the regions where they were attacked but it is the first time they entered the neighborhood, wards, and streets of Yangon to seize motorbikes and battery bikes.
In addition, one could redeem the seized vehicles at the relevant police station by paying a fine (fixed price) in the past, but now they are not accepting redemptions and are keeping them.
Residents in Yangon said that those relying on motorcycles and battery bikes for transportation are now facing difficulties and struggles.