The military junta is reportedly targeting and arresting individuals holding National Registration Card (NRC) no. ‘13/’ issued in Shan State. According to local residents, arrests are taking place in Mawlamyine, Mon State, at checkpoints within the city and at entry and exit points.
The military junta has been inspecting hotels, guesthouses, and apartments in the city at night. A source close to hotel staff in Mawlamyine reported that these searches focus on young people holding "13/" ID cards.
"In Mawlamyine, hotels, guesthouses, and apartments are inspected almost daily. For hotels, they are required to keep detailed records of their guests, including the license plates of their motorbikes. When the military junta comes, they must present these records. Normally, inspections occur around 10 p.m. every day. Their main focus is on individuals with ‘13/’ ID cards. Even those not holding ‘13/’ cards are afraid of being interrogated. Some young people leave their accommodations during inspection hours and return later," said a source close to a hotel staff member.
Checkpoints at city entry and exit points have also tightened their security protocols. According to drivers, young people, particularly those with ‘13/’ ID cards, are the main targets of these searches.
"Recently, the military junta tightened inspections at checkpoints around Mawlamyine. They check everyone's ID cards thoroughly at these points. People with ‘13/’ cards are scrutinized even more closely. If a vehicle carries young passengers, the questioning becomes more intense, and inspections take longer. Sometimes, they make everyone get off the vehicle for inspections. When there are many young passengers, bribes are often demanded. The situation is worsening, and because of this, we're hesitant to take young people on trips," said a local driver from Mawlamyine.
Following the capture of areas in northern Shan State by the Kokang MNDAA and the Ta'ang TNLA forces, the military council has intensified its scrutiny of individuals holding ‘13/’ ID cards in areas under its control, leading to increased arrests.
"They've restricted us to the point where we can't travel outside our towns except under critical circumstances. But when we must travel, we first check the road conditions and ensure we travel with trusted drivers. We avoid major cities and rely heavily on drivers to navigate the situation. Some manage to escape inspections, but others face hefty bribes. There have been cases where individuals were arrested and only released after paying significant amounts," said one Ta'ang woman holding a ‘13/’ ID card.
The ‘13/’ ID cards are predominantly held by Wa, Ta'ang, and Kokang ethnic groups in Shan State.
