Nasaka, Burma's border security forces, has been collecting 2,000 kyat from each household in some villages in Maungdaw Township in order to fund peoples' militia training, reported a villager who wished to remain anonymous.

"85 villagers are now attending the training. The authority collected 2,000 kyat from each household to provide food and other necessary items for trainees during the training period," he said.

The training is being done in Nga Khura Village a few miles north of Maungdaw. Nasaka claims that the aim of the training is to provide local armed forces to maintain peace and stability in the region.

All households from five villages - Nga Khu Ra, Aut Pru Ma, Wrat Nyo Daung, Kran Byin, and Ket Pa Kaung - have paid the money demanded by Nasaka.

"The collection of money from local people is conducted by Nasaka Area No. 5 commander Thu Rin Zaw, who is supervisor of the peoples' militia training," he added.

According to a source close to the training, Nasaka authorities selected people aged 18 to 35 from five villages to serve in the militia. Those selected do not have the right to refuse service.

The authority selected 20 people each from the Nga Khu Ra, Aut Pru Ma, and Wra Nyo Daung Villages, 15 people from Kran Byin Village and 10 from Ket Pa Kaung. All those chosen are now attending the training, where Nasaka authorities conduct basic weapons training.

Even though the authority has publicly claimed the trainings are for maintaining peace and stability, most people believe it is related to the 2010 election and that the authority will use the militias in rural areas to force people to vote for pro-government candidates.