The SAC Forces Are Often Deployed Along Major Roads And At Junctions, Where They Carry Out Unexpected Inspections In Myitkyina

Pajau Media

21st February, 2025

In Myitkyina, Kachin State, local residents report that the SAC forces are conducting forcible interrogations of vehicles passing through the area, while dressed in full military attire and armed.

On February 19, at approximately 7:30 p.m., a Noah cargo van traveling along Shwe Set Road was halted by soldiers in full military attire, who arrived in an X-Trail van. The soldiers positioned themselves in front of the Shwe Set gas station and interrogated the occupants of the cargo van under the threat of firearms.

“When an X-Trail vehicle filled with soldiers halted on the road in front of a Noah van carrying supplies, I sensed that an incident was imminent. Indeed, approximately five soldiers, clad in full uniform and equipped with firearms, exited the vehicle. They instructed the driver to get out of the van and proceeded to conduct a search. I am uncertain about the information they received regarding the cargo vehicle. I saw them taking the driver of the Noah van to the Palana military checkpoint, where the SAC forces are deployed,” remarked a local witness.

Approximately two weeks prior, military personnel in Ipsum vans halted and interrogated a bus transporting young church attendees at the junction of Sitapru and Thida Wards.

“A vehicle of soldiers came to a halt in front of a car with young church attendees, from which several soldiers emerged, armed. Approximately five soldiers were present, one of whom held a star rank. They directed their attention towards the driver, inquiring, "We have been observing you for an extended period. What is your purpose, and where are you headed?" The driver responded, "We are merely en route to the church; we are not going anywhere else." The soldiers then retorted, "We do not believe you," and added, "We will accompany you until you reach the church." Subsequently, both vehicles departed,” as said by another witness.

The SAC forces are reported to be deployed along major roads and at key intersections, where they regularly carry out inspections. Recently, they have also begun implementing random stop-and-go checks utilizing private vehicles.

Following the implementation of the conscription law by the SAC, there has been a notable increase in incidents involving missing youth and arbitrary interrogations of pedestrians by soldiers throughout Kachin State. This situation has caused significant anxiety among local residents regarding their safety.