Security has been tightened across Mon State following last Friday’s protests by students over lack of electricity in Moulmein, the state’s capital. Guards have been posted in public places and outside high schools during their annual examinations, while drivers and occupants at student hostels in the capital are being checked.

Security forces have been posted outside high schools in townships up and down Mon State, say local residents, and roads in front of the schools are being closed. Exams for 10th grade students wishing to complete their grade began being held on March 11th, and will continue for a total of 6 days.

“Police, Special Branch officers, firemen and traffic police are standing guard for security. Last year during exams it was not like this,” a hostel owner in Moulmein told IMNA.

“The Burmese government is worried that the students’ [protests] will become something,” said a resident of Mudon Township. “That’s why they closed the road. There are about 10 police men at each school. If someone wants to use the road, they have to go another way.” Groups of 7 to 8 guards have also been confirmed elsewhere in Mon State, including in Chaung Zone, Thanbyuzayat and Ye Townships.

University and 10th grade students protested outside government offices last Friday, throwing stones and demanding electricity. The city had been without electricity for at least three days, complicating students’ efforts to study for their exams. University exams will begin next week.

Elsewhere in Moulmein, security forces have been posted in public places and in the area around Moulmein University. Police, Special Branch and traffic police have also been checking every quarter from 7pm and 9pm, including stopping drivers and searching inside motorcycles.

Quarter headmen have also collected lists of occupants at student hostels, where the majority of university students reside. According to a university student, students’ names, details and photographs were collected in December. Lists of current hostel occupants are being checked against this information to discover whether the university area has outside visitors.

IMNA has not received any reports of arrests or interrogations. Rumors in Moulmein, however, say that authorities are waiting to make arrests until after exams. Rumors that parents, meanwhile, appear to believe. “Parents are worried the police will make problems for students who protested last week,” said a Moulmein resident. “They are now waiting for their children outside the schools.”