L Naw Aung, May 23, Muse
Some of the young migrant women stranded in junta-controlled Muse Township, northern Shan State, who sought job opportunities to work in China, are being coerced into sex work in brothels operated by the militia groups, according to the residents and well-informed sources.
Militia groups in Muse detain young migrant women—mostly Bamar from various regions—and force them into sex work in their brothels, according to a source. These groups also confiscate their phones, national ID cards, and cash to prevent their escape or return home.
On May 2, two young women who escaped a militia group went to the township police station to file a case about being coerced into sex work. Instead of accepting the case, police officers handed the women back to a militia group, according to a source who witnessed the incident.
On that day, the escaped young women entered the police station to file a case. However, an hour later, a militia group’s vehicle drove into the station. When the car left, the two young women were inside, apparently being taken back to the brothel, he recalled.
Namhkan Myoma, Man Pyain, and Tarmonye militia groups are operating at least 69 brothels in Ho Nar, Ho Mon, Kaung Muu Ton, Kaung Hmu Lwal, Taung, Swan Saw and industrial wards in Muse.
Depending on the sizes of these brothels, the district and township police earns 2.5 to 5 million kyats a month from each.
Namhkam Myoma militia group backed by the junta is also operating brothels in Muse, which they open after paying fees. These establishments are located in various areas: 9 rooms in Thein Than Kyi Car Station, 4 rooms inside Sin Phyu Market, 7 houses in the Industrial Zone, and 3 houses in Kar Lay Ward (near a police outpost), and another 3 rooms in Swam Saw Ward.
There are also the KTVs and brothels owned operated by Man Pyain militia group in coordination with the police officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) under the junta’s regime.
On November 11, a young woman, 21, came from Sagaing Region to seek job opportunities in China, has been killed at a brothel in Muse, however, the junta’s police forces are not able to apprehend the criminals yet.
On May 11, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army issued a warning regarding the brothels in Muse. The ethnic armed group demanded the brothels to be permanently closed by July 15, stating that failure to comply would result in severe action.
Translated by #KLT
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