Lway Lao Jar, Sep 10
The public is calling on the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) to shut down all KTVs and massage parlors in areas under its control, following the group’s recent closure of KTVs in Namhkam, a township under its control in northern Shan State.
A male resident in Kutkai Township said that the people want all KTVs in townships like Kutkai, Namtu, Hsipaw, Kyaukme, Mogok, and Moemeik to be closed until the end of the revolution, not just temporarily during this period.
He added that some people are renting KTV rooms for an entire month during this revolutionary period, showing a complete disregard for the fighters going to the frontlines.
“It’s happening everywhere. Some people, showing no consideration for the ones on the frontlines, are even renting KTVs for a whole month. The reason some people go to these KTVs is to deal in drugs like K (Ketamine) and weapons,” said a Kutkai resident.
Meanwhile, he pointed out that some of the fighters going to the frontlines are sacrificing their lives, blood, sweat, and limbs.
“They live in danger zones, can’t even get a proper meal, and their salary doesn’t even cover the cost of cigarettes.”
In addition, many families have reportedly broken up and many people’s lives have been ruined because of KTVs.
“I want all KTVs to be closed. The reason is simple: so many families have been broken up and so many young people have had their lives ruined because of them. I don’t want our next generation to be ruined either. Because of KTVs, some people are having affairs, and some married women are also involved,” he added.
A woman in Namhkam said that due to drugs like ‘K’ (Ketamine) and ‘Shwe’ (more commonly known as Happy Water) being used in KTVs, many young women and married couples who should not have had their lives ruined are being destroyed.
“I support this kind of closure, like the one in Namhkam. When women take K, they become disoriented and do things that shouldn’t happen,” she said.
She added that some officials can just waste their money there. But the people fighting on the frontlines are lacking in everything.
Instead of wasting money at KTVs, she suggested that if they used it on the frontlines, think of how much good it would do.
“When I say that, I hear people say, ‘We have money, so we can spend it.’ I see that as a lack of good leadership. Furthermore, if married people gave that money to their families instead, think of how much good it would do,” she added.
The TNLA officially announced a ban on KTVs in Namhkam Township starting on September 3. The group also stated that severe action would be taken against any businesses found operating in violation of the ban during the announced closure period.
Translated by #KLT
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