Burmese Army units active in areas of Mongkeung township, southern Shan State, has been forcibly using many villagers as porters and guides during recent operations launched against the Shan State Army (SSA) South, according to sources.

Since early in the month, the Mongnai-based Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) No. 518, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Thant Zin Latt, has been patrolling the areas of Mongkeung and Kehsi townships searching for the rebel group.

They went to round up villagers from Harmngai, Wan Mong, Mong Hkun, Wan Khem, Wan Khong, Mong Kao and Wan Kieng village tracts, to carry things and weapons. They also have to show them the way to the locations of the rebel.

 "There were at least 10 to 20 people rounded up for one patrol," said the source.

The villagers were forced not only to do porter duty but also to stand watch at night for the soldiers during the patrols, said a villager from Mongkeung.

"It took at least over a week to provide the service. We have no time to work for our livelihood. It is very hard for us to survive in this situation," complained the villager.

The LIB No. 518 is active in the area of Mongkeung and Kehsi townships. It comes under the command of Col Khin Maung Tin of Mongnawng-based Military Operations Command (MOC) No.2.