An interview with a local man, who is also a village administrator, from Muse about the concerns of Muse residents that war may break out under the pretext of eradicating Kyar Phyant businesses.
The military conflict that began on 27 October 2023, initiated by the Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State as “Operation 1027,” continues under the pretext of eradicating Kyar Phyant or online money scams.
However, Kyar Phyant or online money scams continue in Muse, a town on the China-Myanmar border in northern Shan State. In addition, Muse town is still an area where the military council and its subordinate militias are active, and it is also a safe place where there is no military conflict yet.
Currently, the military council is arresting the people involved in Kyar Phyant in Muse, but many believe this is merely a facade. Residents are concerned that a military conflict could erupt under the pretext of tackling Kyar Phyant activities.
The Shan News interviewed a Muse resident also serves as the ward administrator about the concerns of Muse residents.
Q: Please explain why there is a crackdown on the Kyar Phyant gang, even though there are frequent arrests of those involved in Muse?
A: Regarding the frequent arrests, it appears they are merely pretending to apprehend those involved in the Kyar Phyant gang and then handing them over to Chinese authorities. The Kyar Phyant gang could be eliminated if there were true intent, but currently, these businesses are also connected to militias. They don’t arrest those truly involved in the business; instead, they make a show of arresting small-time persons and then hand them over to Chinese authorities. They are protecting big-time figures. The military council doesn’t fully eradicate the gang because they are benefiting from under-the-table money. It is possible to arrest those involved in the gang, but the Kyar Phyant businesses persist because they are linked to the government. As a result, these operations have not been completely eliminated.
Q: “Operation 1027” in northern Shan State began with arrests intended to eradicate Kyar Phyant. Should we be concerned that these arrests might lead to conflict in Muse?
A: In Muse, all of them are subordinate to the army. So, there are occasional shootings among them. All groups in Muse are under the junta’s control. Even when there are exchanges of fire, they tend to be temporary. They will not defy their superiors. In Muse, there are more or less such shootings. As long as this continues, public safety remains a concern. Subordinates typically follow the orders of their superiors.
Q: Which organization might be behind the Kyar Phyant businesses in Muse?
A: It is possible that these armed groups are behind the Kyar Phyant businesses. All are linked to China, so any actions taken are often coordinated with the militia. In addition, there is a connection between the militia and the government. Those from China provide financial support for these operations. As a result, there is unlikely to be any fighting among these armed groups.
Q: What is the current situation of Kyar Phyant businesses in Muse, and what are the impacts and negative effects on local residents?
A: At first glance, the situation with Kyar Phyant businesses may not seem too bad, but upon closer inspection, it significantly impacts the local population. How the people are affected is they often switch bosses every 15 days. A person’s value is destroyed. There have also been cases of sexual abuse affecting the people from rural areas. As far as we heard, as the girls who resigned from Kyar Phyant do what they want as they got a lot of money. The girls get Chinese yuan 2000 (over one million Myanmar kyats) for a single night.
Some parents believe Kyar Phyant is beneficial, as they lack a thorough understanding of its implications. They think their children have good jobs. Youths who are fluent in Chinese language work there. In the past, those who were fluent in Chinese language worked in the shops as sale staff. Now the Kyar Phtant is rampant. They can earn a lot of income. However, no one knows harmful effects of the Kyar Phtant. Even if the people know it, those involved in the Kyar Phtant are arrested later. The unacceptable things occur. It can be said that these arrests be considered beneficial.
Q: As there are many EROs and militias, what are your concerns for the people of Muse?
A: There are ethnic armed groups around Muse. The situation remains stable in the town. Local residents are worried as there are many EROs and militia forces. The people are unarmed. We are afraid if they possess guns. Some people possess guns. We don’t know how they got them or where they came from. Some of them buy and keep the guns if they have money. So, we can’t be certain if they are genuine armed groups.
Since the Kyar Phyant business emerged in Muse, children aged 15 to 20 are increasingly opting to chase money instead of continuing their education. Girls no longer value themselves. Now, the number of thieves has increased, and owners are fearful as they come armed. If pleasure-seeking boys can’t get money from their parents, they resort to theft and robbery. They rob wallets and motorbikes everywhere. These are some of the negative impacts of Kyar Phyant.
Sent by Shan News
