The junta’s armed forces extort money from motorists travelling between Kalay in Sagaing Region and the Indian border in Chin State.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source told Khonumthung News that he was forced to pay a bribe of 5,000 kyat ($3) at each of the six checkpoints between Kalay and Rihkhawdar. ”This is too much for us,” the man said.
After civilian resistance groups such as the People’s Defence Force (Zoland) and the Chinland Defence Force for Kalay and Gangaw attacked a police station and checkpoint in Khai Kam, between Chin State and Sagaing Region, killing five officers, security was increased.
Even bus drivers have to pay bribes.
“We have to increase bus fares because we have to pay money to the police and soldiers along the road,” said a source who asked their name not be published. After the soldiers started demanding the money the fare to the Indian border has increased from 15,000 kyat ($9) to 50,000 ($28).
Some bus companies have outright suspended travel from Kalay to Rihkhawdar because of the increased security risk on the route.
Previously, about 20 buses and trucks went to the border every day.