Military checkpoints at Lashio AT Bridge demanding exorbitant money

Mekong, September 3 At the AT Bridge checkpoint, located on the outskirts of Lashio city in northern Shan State, which is under the control of the State Administration Council, soldiers are reportedly demanding exorbitant amounts of money. Furthermore, drivers are facing numerous difficulties due to demands for money from various groups targeting vehicles delivering goods within the city, according to information provided to Mekong by drivers. Drivers operating on routes connecting Lashio, Theinni, Kutkai, and Hopan stated that military personnel at the AT Bridge checkpoint are aggressively demanding money, and if the requested amount is not paid, vehicles are prevented from passing, whether they are carrying passengers or cargo. "I am a driver who operates between Lashio, Theinni, Kutkai, and Hopan. We transport passengers when we have them, and goods when we don't. At the checkpoint near the AD Bridge in Lashio city, we have to pay 'tea money' equivalent to the value of the goods we are carrying. They have two small huts for the checkpoint, one for entry and one for exit. The soldiers at the exit checkpoint from Lashio city do not accept 'tea money.' They only allow the car to pass after we pay the amount they demand," he said. Additionally, drivers mentioned that they have to pay extra to the adjacent checkpoints manned by military police and regular police. Drivers also indicated that their superiors could disguise themselves as civilians and investigate these checkpoints. Another driver reported that drivers delivering goods within Lashio city are facing difficulties because various groups are pursuing them and demanding money. "As soon as we arrive in the city and start delivering to shops, they chase us and demand money. Sometimes it's fifty thousand, one hundred thousand, or even two hundred thousand kyats. If we can't meet their demands, or if we can't pay, they arrest us and take us to the station," he said. This illegal money extortion is occurring amidst numerous unlawful acts that have taken place since the State Administration Council regained control of Lashio city over a year ago. #MeKongNews #LashioTownship #ATBridge #Checkpoint #MoneyExtortion