Kokang's intension to drug crackdown seen as step toward peace
137
Phyo/ Pearl(NP News)- June 8
A political analyst told The Statesman journal that the Kokang armed group (Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army- MNDAA)’s pledge to combat drug trafficking could be a potential path toward finding a solution for peace.
The Kokang force has announced that it will vigorously crack down on drug law violations in Special Region (1) until the end of June, with the aim of permanently addressing the threat of drugs to prevent further drug problems from growing.
The statement also states that the Kokang Army will eradicate drug cultivation sites in the special region, and will jointly combat drug production sites, transportation routes, and distribution networks.
“Historically, Kokang and opium, opium and Kokang, are inseparable, so these are regarded as shields. I wonder if they will make announcements as a protective shield. It seems that if they say they will stop producing opium, it is also a way to open up a path to peace talks,” said the political analyst.
The MNDAA statement also stated that urine samples will be taken from key suspects and tested, cross-border drug trafficking, drug trafficking via the internet, and group drug transportation will be prevented, and drug fugitives will be arrested.
“They’ll soon start making arrests. They’ll take harsh actions too — even killings, most likely. That’s how it goes in politics,” the political analyst continued. “To put it bluntly, it’s like using them the opportunity. These things are bound to happen.”
Recently, drug trafficking and use have been on the rise in areas controlled by the Kokang MNDAA, including Laukkai. Parents are concerned that drug use, including ketamine and ecstasy pills, has become more prevalent among students, including 12- and 13-year-olds, according to local residents.
The MNDAA is one of the most important armed groups involved in Operation 1027. Although it withdrew from Lashio Township, it is attempting to establish administrative matters by defining it as Special Region (1) territory, starting from Hsenwi Township on the other side of Lashio. –