By Ra Wai / MPA
Due to the strong potential of clashes outbreak in Mandalay, junta authorities are reportedly preparing to assign residents in some neighborhoods to guard duty.
On August 16, the military established the People’s Security and Counter-Terrorism Central Committee followed by Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to Mandalay on August 25 where he ordered the implementation of a public security system. Therefore the system is initiated in alignment with his order, according to a local police officer.
“Not all areas in the city are affected yet, but I know it’s starting in Chanmyathazi and Maha Aungmyay townships, targeting men over 35. The ward heads are starting to mobilize people for guard duty, as they have to implement Min Aung Hlaing’s orders right away from which they could gain advantages,” the officer told MPA.
Guard posts are to be constructed in various neighborhoods, with unemployed men aged 35 to 60 being prioritized for guard duty, according to a resident of Chanmyathazi.
“Each ward will need 30 people. Unemployed men will be assigned to guard duty, and those with jobs will be required to provide financial support. Our ward head has already started mentioning this, implying that households with working men over 35 will need to pay,” the resident said.
Additionally, the source added that the guard posts will be built under the pretext of neighborhood security, and residents will have to be responsible for their construction.
“It is uncertain whether the military council may fund the guard posts or the neighborhood, but the neighborhood heads and soldiers will likely compromise to extort money from residents. Those who don’t want to serve as guards will likely be asked to pay as well,” said the police officer.
Reportedly, locals will be assigned to guard ward administration offices to prevent PDF attacks like bombings.
“Civilians will have to guard the ward offices regularly, as they believe the PDFs won’t attack if civilians are stationed there,” the officer added.
The chairman of the People’s Security and Counter-Terrorism Central Committee is Border Affairs Minister Tun Tun Naung, an appointee of Min Aung Hlaing.
