In U Shit Pin City, Pantaung Township, Bago Region, Ward Administrator Aung Ko of Pyitawtha Ward is forcing local residents to cook meals as unpaid labor and deliver food packages to the frontline. According to local sources, the military council soldiers are reportedly starving during battles on the Bago Yoma mountain range, surviving only on pickled bamboo shoots and three dried fish. As a result, the Pyitawtha Ward Administrator is compelling residents to cook meals for the military troops.
Currently, residents of Pyitawtha Ward are being forced to take turns cooking meals by street, following Administrator Aung Ko’s coercive orders. They must deliver the prepared food to the administrator’s office. The ongoing battles on the Bago Yoma are reportedly intense, with high casualties on the military council’s side. Remaining military council soldiers are experiencing low morale, with many deserting or returning to the rear without orders. Sources indicate that the situation has become increasingly difficult for military forces in the region.
Due to the military’s losses, administrators, hundred-household heads, and civilians in U Shit Pin City are being made to organize food packages by ward to create an appearance of support for the military. Military council gambling den operators and gamblers are also collecting donations for the soldiers, including bottled water, soft drinks, dried fish, fermented fish paste, betel leaves, and dried noodles. Local residents are reportedly frustrated by being forced to provide unpaid labor against their will but find it difficult to refuse due to potential consequences.
