Concerns raise over terrorist infiltration in war refugee camps
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Htet Nadi/ Pearl(NP News)
Those close to security forces have suggested that they investigate the possibility of infiltrating terrorists by mingling with displaced people.
In recent days, after a video file surfaced showing KNU and PDF joint forces traveling on motorcycles along the old Yangon– Mandalay road in Oktwin Township, Bago Region, security forces conducted clearance operations in the areas within the township believed to be where they had appeared.
In addition to these area clearance operations, it is also recommended that the Tatmadaw should conduct military patrols in villages where terrorist groups are hiding.
“The armed forces went up to the site where the oil tanker was burned and quickly came back down. There is also a Tamadaw camp in Lin Yaw Khin. They just showed up briefly. It’s probably located between Nyaung Chay Htauk and Kywe Pwe. The area is still accessible. Security forces have also set up their own posts. Before the oil tanker case, they came from Patta to Lin Yaw Khin village and opened fire. There was no military operation. They were seen clearing the area on the roads where the insurgents could come up. If possible, they should send military columns to clear them out,” a source close to the security forces told The Statesman.
In some areas, terrorist groups have infiltrated the war refugees, so when the Tatmadaw clears the area, there may be locals who come to seek refuge, and these refugees should also be carefully considered and accepted, he suggested.
He continued, saying “When clearance operations are carried out, monasteries should also be screened because many people stayed in them as war refugees. There was a precedent in Penwekone. It was said that only displaced people had arrived, and when the guest list was recorded, just five people were registered, but in reality, there were more than thirty. Only the elderly were listed, but if checked properly, many young people were also there. In areas like Taungoo, Pyu, Yedashe, Penwekone, and Kanyutkwin, terrorists are often found mixing among displaced groups. They can enter under the guise of being displaced persons. If displaced people and ambulance vehicles are not thoroughly inspected, infiltration will occur. Proper checks must be carried out.” –