Khun Thomas, head of the Youth Affairs Department established by Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC), said that the department will set up a center for underage drug users and implement rehabilitation measures.
Khun Thomas stated that the IEC’s Youth Affairs Department will collaborate on drug trafficking measures outlined in the law enforcement guidelines released by the IEC on 4 September 2024. This cooperation will focus on youth, drug prevention, and drug control efforts.
Khun Thomas said, “There are cases involving underage drug users. We discussed whether they should be sent to prison or what actions should be taken against them. The underage drug users will be sent to the center, where rehabilitation will be carried out both mentally and physically.”
The IEC’s Youth Affairs Department was established on 5 February, and currently, the procedures and the appropriate policy established by the Council are still being drafted.
Regarding the measure to prevention and control of drug, a young woman from Pekon Township said, “Underage drug users should be penalized. The treatment centers should be opened for drug and alcohol addicts. The arrests should be made only after through discussions and drafting law. I think it’s best to understand the content of the law.”
“Youth and rehabilitation measures are a top priority. Our primary focus will be fostering cooperation between youth associations and government departments, ensuring a strong connection between the department and the youth in Karenni State,” said Khun Thomas.
Drug use among youths in Karenni State during the interim period become rampant. Drug trafficking and opium growing are seen extensively, locals said.
Due to this situation, a local young woman from Demoso Township said that she welcomes and accepts the operational decision of the Department of Youth Affairs and expects more practical actions.
“In my view, IEC’s activities are good. However, I want them to do it in practice, not just in words. At the moment, we have some hope because of IEC, but in the end, we don’t want to lose hope. IEC should interact more with our public,” said the young woman.
The IEC drew it as a law enforcement measure for the businesses such as drugs, illegal possessions and trading of illegal arms, sexual entertainment that is not in line with revolutionary social ethics, intelligence by junta, spreading false information that harms the people and the revolution, ground and online gambling.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times