Arakanese residents under junta controlled areas face extortion

Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 26 October 2024

In various towns of Arakan State namely Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, Manaung, Ann, Taungup, and Gwa, which are still under the control of military junta, the residents are experiencing extortion by junta officials in different forms.

In the Arakanese capital city of Sittwe, the residents alleged that junta officials are blatantly arresting civilians and extorting money under the pretense of inspecting the overnight guest lists and household records.

“There are arrests reported daily from Sittwe. The junta soldiers compel the people to open their houses to check the overnight guest lists. Then the soldiers pick up the individuals for ransoms.  At least Kyats one million is needed to release one person. Sometimes, they demand more money for release of the detainees,” said a resident of Sittwe.

Those who cannot pay the ransom, they are arrested, tortured and even detained for a longer period accusing their links to the Arakan Army (AA).

“Everyone is now scared. The people get scared when they hear the knock at doors during the night hours. It’s even worse in Mingan ward, where the soldiers arrest individuals arbitrarily,” he added.

A female resident of Kyaukphyu. second largest city of Arakan state, informed Narinjara News that soon after the banking operations were suspended in their town, the money transfer services run by civilians were allowed to operate but they had to pay illegal fees to the juntas’ military intelligence unit (SaYaPha).

She added that if they do not pay the fees, they face the risk of arresting with fictitious reasons.

“If we want to operate KBZPay and WavePay services, we can only do so after notifying them. We pay extortion fees as much as they demand. If we operate without their knowledge, it is considered illegal. They can arrest people anytime under the pretext of supporting the AA,” she said.

Narinjara News tried to contact KBZPay and WavePay agents to inquire about the extortion fees each month, but could not reach them.

Additionally, at Kyauk Ta Lone checkpoint, which controls entry and exit from the town, the junta officials demand significant amounts of money from those wishing to enter Kyaukphyu. If they do not pay, they are denied entry.

“People are not allowed to enter or exit Kyaukphyu freely. If you need to go to Kyaukphyu for even health reasons, junta soldiers at the checkpoint demand Kyats 100,000. If you don’t pay, you won’t be allowed to move. You can enter  only after paying the particular amount to the junta officials,” she added.

In Kyaukphyu, the residents reported that both the entry and exit are restricted now and a fee for passage is claimed.

In Manaung, only a remaining town of AA’s attack in Arakan state , the junta has strictly prohibited travelling  outside the area, which compels the residents to pay money to the junta’s navy forces stationed at the sea.

“They are unpredictable. Sometimes they allow travelling but often impose a complete ban. If you’re caught traveling during the ban, you may  be arrested. When the  travel is permitted, they demand between Kyats 1 to 3 millions for a boat. For cargo boats, they may charge more than Kyats 3 million,” asserted a resident of Manaung.

Similarly, in Gwa too, the junta soldiers are extorting money at the military checkpoints.

“If you go through the checkpoints, you have to pay whatever amount they ask. They charge differently for motorcycles, cars, and others,” he added.

The junta forces also arbitrarily arrest individuals in Gwa locality.  The junta currently controls the Arakanese towns namely  Manaung, Kyaukphyu, Gwa, Sittwe, Ann, and Taungup.

The residents expressed resentments that the people living in towns controlled by the junta  remain in a bad condition facing the extortion menace regularly.

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