Local residents have reported that the military council’s patrol units in Shwebo Township, Sagaing Region, are arbitrarily arresting civilians returning from markets and travelers, demanding 50 million kyats per person for their release. On April 30, the military forces arrested 10 civilians from various villages including Htugyi, Punnarkon, Thanzin, Seikkon, and Botekon villages, along with other unidentified travelers. Those unable to pay the demanded ransom have been detained at Training Unit No. 8, according to local sources.
Family members of those arrested have attempted to locate their loved ones at both Training Unit No. 8 and the local police station, but military council personnel have denied holding any detainees. Reports indicate that only those who can afford the extortion payments are being released, while others remain in detention. Those who have been released after paying the demanded sum live in fear of being arrested again. The military council’s actions have created an atmosphere of terror and uncertainty among local residents, who now face daily security concerns.
According to a local resident, the military council forces have been providing their phone numbers to those who paid the ransom, claiming they won’t be re-arrested until the military personnel are transferred to another area. They have instructed the released civilians to contact these provided numbers if they face arrest again, promising to secure their release. This systematic extortion and arbitrary detention by the military council has created a climate of fear and insecurity among local residents, who must now navigate daily life under the constant threat of arbitrary arrest and financial exploitation.
