Junta officials accused of aiding and abetting gambling

General

Junta officials accused of aiding and abetting gambling

Disgruntled citizens in Namkham, the Shan State's northernmost township, say local border control and military intelligence officers are giving open support to the illegal gambling dens that have been adding fuel to the flames of social problems in the area, Hawkeye reports:

Maj Gen Loimao

On 9 June, Maj Gen Loimao, Commander of the Shan State Army "North", a ceasefire group, arrived in Namkham, 129 miles north of northern Shan State's capital Lashio, to hold a meeting with the local community leaders. One of the decisions taken there was said to be to ban gambling that is illegal under Burmese Laws.

"Everything looked encouraging until 15 June, the day Sao (honorary title for dignitaries) Loimao left, when gambling dens were back in force," said a headman. "And we could do nothing to prevent it, as the bankers were getting the full backing from the Nasaka (Border Control Unit) and the MI (Military Intelligence)."

The upshot was the crackdown by the SSA raiders led by Maj Peunmao, who closed off the games in 5 different locations.

"Things don't look good," remarked an SSA "North" source, "as we are a non-government while they (the Burmese officials) are government. In the end, it becomes a question of whose authority the locals must resign themselves to follow."

Namkham, unlike other areas under the control of the SSA "North" further south, is effectively under three governing powers: State Peace and Restoration Council, Shan State Army "North" and Palaung State Liberation Army, he explains. "As a result, our authority here is somewhat circumscribed and difficult."