The use and sale of illicit drugs in Karen State is a new obstacle that needs to be overcome, said a state-level MP calling for an anti-drug program to be drafted. Solving the drug problem can only happen when actions are taken against the perpetrators and those affected, Saw Htoo Ka Paw, told attendees during a public meeting with MPs in Kyain Seikgyi Township.
Drugs and peace are the main challenges that are impeding development in Karen State, he told KIC.
“It is sad to hear that some university students have been selling drugs to pay for their university fees because their parents can’t afford them,” Htoo Ka Paw said. Even middle and high school students are using narcotics, he said.
Saw Shwe Hla Win, a resident of Khale village that attended the meeting, said authorities have taken some action but more needs to be done to tackle the growing drug problem.
“I don’t feel satisfied. It’s not just young people taking drugs, old people are also using. In our village there are many broken marriages and [drug addicts] are attacking their families with knives and becoming deranged.”
A spike of violence and suicides reported around Win Yaw has been attributed to an increase of drugs. There have been reports of knife attacks and ten residents have already received treatment at the Ywarthargyi Rehabilitation Center, located in Rangoon region.
MPs told attendees of the meeting that the central government has allotted a budget of one million kyats for each township to deal with the drug scourge.
This was the first time MPs have met with the public since the 2015 Election, attracting leaders and residents from Khale, Myohaung, Ywarlay, Phayar Ngar Su, and Naung Day villages.
Story by Myat Oo Thar/KIC News
Translated by Thida Linn
