SOUTHERN SHAN STATE – Local news sources reported that junta forces forcibly confiscated phones and money from the IDPs (Internally displaced people) and the female IDPs were subjected to inspections that border harassment in Saekhaung Village, near Sankar Town in Nyaung Shwe Township, Southern Shan State.
Junta and subordinate PNA (Pa’O National Army) forces stationed in front of Saekhaung monastery since the beginning of the battle near Sankar Town on July 19 were said to be responsible for such inspections.
A local of Linlan Village said that there were no people in Saekhaung Village. “People have to pass them (junta forces) when fleeing the conflict area and are checked by them. Males have to take off the upper clothes. Females had their breasts groped and were also subjected to body checks. Sometimes they also search inside the pants.”
It is said that the IDPs have to hide their money as the junta forces confiscate any cash and the junta and PNA forces were conducting strict checks.
Although the junta forces only checked as usual at the southern entrance of Saekhaung Village, the people were asked to take off their shirts and had their phones, backpacks, wallets and cash confiscated at the northern exit, according to those who have personally went under the inspections.
A man who works near Saekhaung Village said, “Both PNO and the bamar (junta) army are horrible. We cannot carry much money when passing the gates. If there was a battle, bamar army run away. Only PNO forces have to attack so they have many casualties. PNO forces are in the front line and the bamar army would follow behind them.”
It has been reported that junta and PNO forces are stationed at the monastery of Sankar, Konethar Village and Saekhaung Village and have been breaking into and stealing from the houses whose owners fled.
