Seizure of unlicensed vehicles stepped up

Seizure of unlicensed vehicles stepped up

IMNA
July 14, 2006

Homes of residents are being surrounded by authorities in Moulmein, Mon
State to seize unlicensed vehicles.

They encircled houses in San Pja Aye quarter in Moulmein and seized
about 16 motorcycles, a local trader said.

The order to seize unlicensed vehicles and motorcycles came from the
Southeast Command yesterday, said a person close to Command officials.

According to the local trader, "It was decided at the township
meeting that the Village Peace and Development Councils would also help
when the authorities seize vehicles without license." Those
instructed to raid premises for unlicensed vehicles include policemen,
traffic policemen, and officials of the Firemen Forced, Customs, and
the Army.

They also invited brokers to the meeting to facilitate seizure of
vehicles and motorcycles. The authorities in Thanbyuzayart Township
held a meeting on July 12, the local trader added.

According to the local trader, if the authorities find vehicles and
motorcycles without a license, they seize it and the owners are sent to
jail for about three months.

Motorcycle owners without license are so scared that they are not being
seen with their motorbikes on the road. Unlicensed vehicles and
motorcycles are rarely seen on the road now, residents said.

However, the residents said that the motorcycles are seen as usual in
Lamine sub-Township despite the order for seizure.

The New Mon State Party has also been warned by the Southern Command
last month not to drive vehicles without a license.

The traffic policemen compiled a list of motorcycles without license in
the last week of June in Mudon Township.

In March 2004, the military authorities seized more than 10,000
vehicles.

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