Locals say that there is concern among the locals about the ongoing violence in Manaung, a town currently under the control of the military council.
According to locals, more than six shops in the town were recently broken into, with multiple homes also targeted-mainly motorcycles and bicycles being stolen.
“Now, there are continuous thefts in Man Aung. Shops are also being broken into. And the military council is not arresting the thieves, but rather arresting and investigating the people who were robbed. I don’t know why this is happening, but now the military council is arresting and investigating the 6 locals who were robbed at those shops. Now, instead of arresting the thieves, they are arresting and investigating the owners. It is being opposite.” the resident said.
Reports also suggest that many of those involved in the recent thefts may not be from Manaung but are believed to have come from other regions.
A local woman from Manaung said that Manaung Township has always been a peaceful and stable township without any incidents of vandalism. However, the recent incidents of vandalism have caused a lot of concern among the locals.
“Right now, all the local residents are feeling fearful and anxious. Strangers and suspected thieves have been frequently coming and going in the area. There was also a recent robbery incident involving a weapon, which has heightened the fear among the people. It’s not just about losing property anymore-people are worried that if a murder happens, it will become a serious issue. But currently, it feels like authorities are just standing by and watching. The town has significantly deteriorated in recent days,” the resident said.
On July 1st, two members of the military council forces who had reportedly deserted from the Kamontone military base were involved in an armed robbery incident that resulted in a murder, according to local residents. As of now, the suspects have not yet been apprehended.
News – Myat Thu
