New screws on for the public

Human Rights

New screws on for the public

A new regulation requiring both the clergy and laypeople alike has been in place in eastern Shan State since last month, Tai Touch reports from the border:
On 14 September, all temples in Kengtung were informed by the local authorities to report the names of monks residing at each temple each month. "We were asked to send one copy of to the Township Peace and Development Council and paste another copy in front of the temple for all to see."

The almost identical instruction was given to the laity. "The only difference was that the officials warned us in no uncertain terms we would face imprisonment if caught with non-compliance to their order," one Kengtung citizen told S.H.A.N.

Sources coming to Tachilek, opposite Maesai, all agree the same directives are in place in their respective townships, although no rationale behind the new moves is yet to be explained. "The reason we don't ask why", said a source in reply to S.H.A.N. query, "is because we are so used to the junta's way. Obedience without question is what they demand and they are getting it all the time."

In Tachilek, a new order had also been announced on 10 October with regards to giving overnight accommodations to non-residents. According to it, three categories of visitors are ineligible for boarding at the homes of the locals: government personnel, women under 25 years of age and those without national identifications. "The order goes effective on 25 October," said a local.

Rangoon has time after time promised a "disciplined democracy" for its people.