Villagers from Komile, Kyauk-Katin and Yaphu in Yephyu Township, Terasserim Division have fled to Tavoy District - an area under NMSP control – following pressure from local military authorities for them to form a militia, local reports said.

This occurred in the first week of March, according to information researched and collected by Nai Aua Mon, of HURFOM. Aua Mon estimates that between 95 and 110 households have fled, accounting for a total of around 200 people.

Another reason they have fled from their villages is because columns from Burmese Army regiments 282 and 273 and 31 are preparing to launch operations against armed Mon splinter groups and KNU Brigade 4.

At present villagers from three villages have fled because the local authorities have attempted to force them to undertake military training, and they refused. Some villagers have fled temporarily for refuge; but others have decided not to return to their villages according Nai Aua Mon’s interviews with them.

A local health worker said that villagers from Ahlae Skhan were afraid because their village chief has joined hands with the local army unit to suppress any opposition. Those who fled Ahlae Skhan have been resettled by NMSP, but their security and food provisions are not assured.

The health worker added that he had heard that those who arrived in this area do not want to return, and that since they have neither money to buy property nor allotments to grow food, the NMSP is going to create a new village for them.

Between Ahlae Skhan and Marout Chaei are many fields – in Mon “waey-hanoot” – which have been used for resettlement, but the situation there is not secure, according to those who have moved there.

The villagers from Yephyu Township used to be under the control of NMSP and KNU, but since 1995 when the NMSP signed the ceasefire agreement with the junta, the areas have fallen under military control. HURFOM says that these villagers used to be involved in forced labour such as railway and gas pipeline construction.