NORTHERN SHAN STATE – Residents say that in the neighborhoods of Lashio, militiamen in military uniforms under the junta council are carrying automatic rifles and providing security in gambling circles.
Residents of Lashio said that the militias are openly making gambling circles of four gins, shark game, Shan komi, and six gong jins, which are drawn by ropes called the local term Gongking.
“Gambling circles in the name of Khaynin Militia have opened a circle in their militia office near Ward (5/6/7) outside the city. It is not an honest casino; it is being guarded by 10 militiamen in Khaynin militia uniforms and armed with automatic rifles,” said a source in Lashio.
The Khaynin militia was formed in 2017 to provide security and protect the region along with the army, but currently, they are only leading gambling circles.
It is said that the person who is leading the gambling circles is Wunna Min, from a group called Khaying Militia. It is said that Wunna Min often threatened the Deputy Commander of the Northeast Region Command.
Gambling centers, police Governor Locals in Lashio City say that they have opened by paying scots to police, police surveillance, and the military security force.
Residents say that because the military council and subordinate organizations allowed gambling clubs to open at will before the Shan North fighting began, there has been an increase in thievery and looting in Lashio.