The Burmese Army unit based in Kalemyo, Sagaing division has forced local people to buy postcards from the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) as part of its fund collection campaign in April and May.

“The postcard carries the picture of Jesus Christ. And the authorities are forcing all families to purchase it at Kyat 1000 a card,” said a local.

“Local unit No. 25 based LIB 89 soldiers came and collected the donation even from those families, which did not want to buy the postcards. They took money from all,” said Mr. Kapchinthang in Kalemyo.

The idea of selling postcards and collecting money was the brainchild of leaders of USDA in Kalemyo. Other members were not aware of what was being done.

There are about 50,000 households in Kalemyo.

Similarly, military personnel in Tamu district, Sagaing division and some parts of Chin state are collecting money from people in their respective places. –