By Bywar Oo / MPA
The presence of heavily armed security forces during the national census in townships across Yangon Region has left local residents and parents deeply concerned, according to reports from local sources.
Military and police personnel have been stationed not only along main and side streets but also near schools in wards where census data is being collected. Their heavily armed presence has led to fears that something may go wrong, further heightening public anxiety.
“Yesterday (8 October), when I was taking my child to school, there were soldiers and police everywhere—front, back, and all around the school. Seeing them with guns and weapons scared both me and my child. I did not know if I should leave my child or bring them back home. Along the road, there were at least five officers in front of the school, and there was also a police truck. Why do they need such a massive presence with all these weapons?” said Daw Cho (source‘s name has been changed), a parent from Sanchaung Township.
In some cases, residents living in high-rise apartments were instructed to come downstairs and provide their census information via loudspeaker announcements. Additionally, some local administrators were reported to have noted down houses where no one was present and instructed the occupants to report to the office the following day.
“One of my acquaintances received a notice asking them to come to the office the next day. They still do not know why or for what reason they were called. I am sure something is going on. Maybe they will ask for money,” said a 50-year-old male resident of Bahan Township.
Furthermore, it was reported that although there are 68 questions included in the census, the volunteers collecting data selectively asked certain questions and filled in responses at their own discretion, according to residents.
“In some wards, they are practically detaining people. They came to my house and asked what my job was and how much I earned. When I said I was 44 years old, they gave me an odd look, as if thinking I was too old to be conscripted. I think they are falsifying the census. The data will likely not be accurate,” said a male resident from South Dagon Township.
Many locals have expressed their belief that the census is being used to gather information for military conscription. This suspicion has arisen because male members of households are being questioned more thoroughly than others during the census process.
A 36-year-old woman from Sanchaung Township shared her experience: “I have three children, two daughters and one son. My daughters are two and three years old. They did not ask anything about the girls but asked detailed questions about my son. They also asked many questions about my three brothers who live with me but ignored me and my sister. It is clear what their intentions are.”
The State Administration Council (SAC) announced that the 2024 national census would be conducted nationwide from 1 to 15 October. However, political analysts have raised concerns that the data collected may not be accurate due to ongoing conflicts and widespread flooding across the country.