Shan Residents Criticise Government Drug Policy

Shan Residents Criticise Government Drug Policy
by -
S.H.A.N
RCSS/SSA initiated public consultation in Tangyan. (Photo: RCSS/SSA)
RCSS/SSA initiated public consultation in Tangyan. (Photo: RCSS/SSA)

Shan State residents told a Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) delegation that recently spent a month touring Shan State how current government drug policy is not working.

A report on the tour, which took place from 21 June to 22 July, was issued by the delegation last month. The following statements by Shan people about the drug problem were taken from the report:

  • "Since the fight began, drugs, instead of diminishing, have become more available than ever." (Participant in Kyaukme)
  • "In areas controlled by the government and [the government led] People’s Militia Forces, drug use is higher than anywhere else." (Participant in Tangyan)
  • "They are selling them in the foothills where Light Infantry Division (LID) 88 is setting up a camp. No drug pushers are reported to have been arrested." (Participant in Namkham)
  • "What can the police do? There are 10 drug users to every policeman. Anyway, using drugs instead of bullets seems to be killing more Shans." (Participant in Hsipaw)
  • "I volunteered to report to the local police on drug pushers. But when I did the drug pusher was released. He later framed me for a crime I didn’t do, and I went to jail." (Participant in Kehsi)
  • "Drug pushers here pay 3 Kyat for every 10 Kyat they make to the police." (Participant in Mongkeung)
  • "Selling drugs here is like selling vegetables. There is nothing to fear. "(Participant in Tongta)
  • "You can buy drugs here anytime you like." (Participant in Mongphyak)

Not only were the government and the government allied People's Militia Forces (PMFs)  criticised, in some cases the armed groups fighting against the government and PMFs were also criticised.

One participant from Kyaukme said: “Some of these groups ban drugs, but others are selling them.” He didn’t name names.

Asked what they wanted the government and the armed groups to do people had different answers. these included:

  • Crop substitution programs
  • More schools
  • Treatment centers
  • Support for local anti-drug movements
  • Enlist drug users as soldiers

The drug issue, according to the RCSS/SSA which has already made two tours since 2012, is the biggest problem people have in Shan State. During their first tour they were told: “Get rid of it and we will elect your party for the rest of our lives.”

The RCSS/SSA has yet to set up a political party. “Until and unless the 2008 constitution is amended, we won’t even consider it,” said its leader Sao Yawdserk.

Edited in English for BNI by Mark Inkey

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