Junta forces performed stop-and-search operations in Myanmar’s second largest metropolis, Mandalay, on Monday, finishing up house-to-house checks and arresting round 20 younger individuals, in response to locals.

The crackdown follows the execution of 4 individuals, together with democracy activist Ko Jimmy over the weekend.

The previous pupil chief was convicted on terrorism expenses for actions in opposition to the navy regime. Former Nationwide League for Democracy lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw and activists Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw have been additionally executed. It’s believed the boys have been all hanged on Saturday in Yangon’s Insein Jail.

Monday’s searches in Mandalay have been carried out by fully-armed members of the navy, checking id playing cards, an official of the City Strike Motion Group instructed RFA on situation of anonymity.

One other Mandalay resident instructed RFA the troopers have been primarily concentrating on younger individuals, checking their cellphones for social media posts of the black brand mourning the 4 executed activists and the pink brand supporting revolution in opposition to final yr’s navy coup.

“The complete metropolis was searched day out and in,” a Mandalay resident instructed RFA. “Pyi Gyi Dagon township was searched within the night time. Cell telephones have been searched. Individuals didn’t dare come out if that they had the pink and black logos on their social media profiles. Younger individuals have been arrested on suspicion by the regime forces. Now, regardless of the place individuals dwell, life is insecure.”
Mandalay-based militia the Freeland Assault Power claimed duty for laying mines in a navy compound close to Amarapura township on Monday. The group mentioned the assault was in retaliation for the weekend executions.

It’s nonetheless not clear whether or not the navy raids and arrests have been linked with the assault.

RFA remains to be investigating the ages and names of the arrested youths.

Calls to the Navy Council Spokesman by RFA went unanswered on Tuesday.