Residents of a number of villages in Lashio township, Shan State North, in Burma, have been recently ordered to surrender their muskets within 10 days by Brig-Gen Aung Kyaw Zaw, Commander of the Lashio-based Northeastern Region Command, local sources said.

The order was issued on December 5 to residents of Hopeuk, Markkheenu, Hson Koi, Kung Sa, Honam, Manpiang, Mongtame and Mongyang villages.  Villagers have to hand over their muskets to Police Stations No.1 and No. 2.

“If anyone is detected trying to retain his/her weapon, he/she will be severely punished,” a local resident in Markkheenu village quoted the order as saying.

The commander gave no reason for the directive, a musket owner said.

“Some villagers, who did not cast votes for the junta-backed political party (the Union Solidarity and Development Party) during the November election, are wondering whether the order has to do with their voting, while some feel the junta is beefing up security,” he added.

The regional commander’s order states all muskets must be surrendered to the police stations by December 15.

A similar directive has also been issued to villagers in Karenni State’s Shadaw township. But, here villagers were instructed to apply for a license if they wanted to retain their muskets, according to Karenni news agency Kantarawaddy Times.

“People, who wish to keep their muskets must pay Kyat 500 a piece to the local authorities,” the report said.

The directive further said every musket owner has to carry the license, wherever he goes, or else he will be fined.