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Military-Backed Militia in Tamu Allegedly Extorting Night-Time Detainees

June 30


In Tamu, a border town in Sagaing Region near the India–Myanmar frontier, residents report that individuals found outside their homes after 8 p.m. are being detained by Pyusawhti militia members under the command of the military council. Detainees are allegedly being released only after paying money the following day.

According to a local resident from Tamu, “The situation is especially severe in areas like Zay Thit 9 and Zay Thit 10. Anyone found outside after 8 p.m. is arrested. The next day, they are made to pay for their release. The minimum amount is around 500,000 kyats per person, but in some cases, they’re asked for up to 1.2 million kyats. The extortion rates vary from person to person, regardless of whether it’s a man or a woman.”

It is reported that the night-time arrests are particularly intense in Zay Thit 9 and 10 compared to other neighborhoods. Locals believe the main motivation behind the detentions is to extract money from residents, not to recruit for military service.

“Even the Pyusawhti militia members here who want to attend military training aren’t able to receive it, because the military council can’t provide the training. The military also seems unable to transport reinforcements by helicopter into the area. So this isn’t about conscription—it’s clearly about making money,” said another resident.

Tamu, located along the India–Myanmar border, has seen ongoing conflict since the military coup. The instability has led to an influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) into the town, while others have fled through Tamu to seek refuge in India.

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