With elections in Burma round the corner, strong arm tactics have begun. The former armed group, which transformed to the People’s Militia-- the Kachin Defense Army (KDA) based in Shan State in Eastern Burma, is threatening to drive local people out of their village if they do not vote for the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).

KDA, the People’s Militia group based in Teinni (Hsenwi in Shan and Sinli in Kachin) Township, Man Lin village is threatening villagers with forced relocation if they refuse to vote for the Burmese military junta-backed party, the USDP, said local sources.

“You dare not refuse to vote for USDP. In our territory anyone, refusing to vote for USDP will be killed,” said a KDA leader.

The threats began from mid–August. The local people are shocked that they are being threatened by fellow Kachins.

The militia group is forcing villagers to attend meetings. One person from every household has to attend and promise to vote for USDP, said villagers.

KDA was transformed into the People’s Militia Group under the Burmese Army on April 28 with 400 troops of a total of 800 members.

They have been categorized as Kawnghka (or also spelled Konghka) based Militia groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in Shan State.

Earlier the KDA had forced local people to support the 2008 referendum chalked out by the junta.

Since September 28 the Immigration office in Teinni Township has been issuing national identity cards for all local people in Nam Zalat and Man Lin villages for the USDP to garner votes in the general election on November 7.

Local people, though reluctant cannot avoid voting for USDP and are in a helpless situation, said the source.