Lway Lao Jar, Dec 15, Lashio
A gambling den on 19 Street in Ward (7) of Lashio, the capital of northern Shan State—currently under junta’s control—continues to operate by paying a total of 30 million Kyats for monthly to related regime departments, according to a resident who spoke to Shwe Phee Myay.
Locals report that the illegal gambling den, which runs 24 hours daily, has become a major disturbance for nearby residents.
“They have been open for a long time. That den never closes. Anything you want is available there. Thousands of people come. Those living nearby can’t sleep at all. It is noisy every day with the sound of generators and shouting. Their compound is also very large, with everything related to gambling,” said a Lashio resident.
In Lashio, officials from the junta’s Military Security Affairs officials claim they are cracking down on gambling operators and gamblers, but residents say the arrests are only for show.
“In Ward 7, the situation is terrible. My friend was driving when they stopped him and took his car. You can’t say anything to those running the gambling dens. If you do, they’ll say it belongs to this big man or that big man. All the influential figures in Lashio have already paid money, so no one can stop them. Even when complaints are made to the military security affairs officials, they are informed in advance, come pretending to act, and then leave without arresting anyone,” a resident explained.
Residents are demanding the closure of gambling dens on 19th Street in Ward 7, as well as others operating in different wards.
“They run these places by paying protection fees to the police, township administrators, and Military Security Affairs officials. It not only causes disturbances but also leads to thefts and robberies. That’s why we want them all shut down,” the resident added.
Locals report that since the junta’s military regained control of Lashio town, gambling dens and drug use have increased in Ward 7, as well as Wards 4, 5, and Upper Man Ai.
Arrests reportedly began after Shwe Phee Myay published a report on December 9 about a large-scale gambling den operating inside a compound in Upper Man Ai, Ward 5 of Lashio.
Previously, areas of Lashio under the control of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) were handed back to the junta in April following mediation by China.
Translated by #KLT
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