More exploitation on villagers since crackdown

_{By Hseng Khio Fah (Tel: +66-80-1260076)}
 
On 20 January 2008, at 1:00am, Loilem based Light Infantry Battalion 12 commander Major Yang Aung Win led a 35 strong patrol on the way to Natu to Hsikkhar village, Mongkhun village tract, Mongkung township and stole 11 chickens (value about Kyat 22,000, US $ 18) from Hsikkar village and a pair of sneakers value Kyat 3,000(US $ 2.5). Then at 10:30am, they went into villagers Pawhsang Nyeing and Maehsang Nyeing's house and took Kyat 833,700(US $ 695) and a chicken value at Kyat 3,000(US $ 2.5), according to a local source.
 
Also on 8 January 2008, Light Infantry Battalion 131 forced the villagers of Wan Khem to buy a motorbike. The battalion is based in Wan Pang, Wan Khem village tract, Kehsi Township.
 
Again, on 13 January 2008, at 4:00am, Mong Pawn based Light Infantry Battalion 517 commander Major Thurein Tun patrolled with his 15 men and rested at Nang Mon's house in Wan Long, Wan Hwe village tract, Mongkung Township, Northern Shan State.  After that they intentionally left their guns at the house and left the village by tractor to Sanpek village, Mongkhun tract, according to a local source.
 
“On the next day, at 6:00am, 5 soldiers from the group returned to Nang Mon's house and asked for their guns. They accused villagers of hiding those guns. As for punishment, they took 5 blankets from the villagers,” said a villager.
 
“Wherever they patrol, they always take things and collect taxes from the villagers. Since the September crackdown in 2007, soldiers seem to have lost faith in their top officers. They only think of money. As long as they get the money they allow every one to plant and trade whatever they want,” said a villager.
 
Soldiers abusing their powers not only in Southern Shan State but also similar things happened in Northern Shan State.
 
On 18, January, S.H.A.N (Shan Herald Agency for News) reported that a police station officer collected taxes from villagers who own motorbikes. The tax is Kyat12, 000 ($10) for each. They then buy motorbikes from the tax money. And also local authorities forced people to buy motorcycles for their use in Mong Ngaw Township, Kyaukme District, Northern Shan State.