The terrorist military has installed voting machines at entry and exit checkpoints in Ye-U town, Sagaing Region, forcing passing civilians to press buttons, according to Ko Htoo Khant Zaw (Amay Thar), the Western Ye-U information coordinator. Since early September, military personnel have been setting up voting machines at town checkpoints and coercing civilians passing through to press buttons under threats. On September 10, a Mi-17 helicopter from the military’s Northwestern Command landed at Basic Education High School No. 1 in Ye-U town and delivered more voting machines.
As military forces in Ye-U prepare to launch operations into villages, residents from four villages near the town were forced to flee in heavy rain on September 14. With the upcoming election, the military is attempting to campaign among villagers near the town to participate in the election while reinforcing their presence at checkpoints throughout the town. Military activities in the Ye-U area had been minimal for over two years, but operations from the town resumed in August as the illegal election approaches. The military’s increased presence and activities have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among local residents who are concerned about their daily security.
On August 21, military forces from Ye-U town also raided Thanson village, opening fire and burning school furniture in the village. The Ye-U-Depayin road has been temporarily closed by the Ye-U Township People’s Defense Force since the evening of September 12 due to military activities in the area. Local civilians are living in constant fear due to military threats and are deeply concerned about their safety. The military’s attempts to force participation in their planned election through intimidation and coercion have severely disrupted normal life in the region, with residents having to flee their homes despite challenging weather conditions to avoid military operations.
