One of the Shan townspeople met by the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) delegation that spent a month-long tour inside Shan State last month said current government drug policy didn’t work, according to its report submitted late last month.

RCSS/SSA initiated public consultation in Tangyan. (Photo: RCSS/SSA)

“It is like getting pigs and chickens gelded,” one of the participants at the public consultation in Namlan, Hsipaw township, northern Shan State, said. “The more you geld them, the more fat chickens you are going to have.”
The statement was echoed in other consultations held across the Shan State, between 21 June-22 July tour.

• Since the fight began, drugs, instead of diminishing, have become more available than ever. (Participant in Kyaukme)
• In areas controlled by the government and (the government led) People’s Militia Forces, drug use is higher than anywhere else. (Participant in Tangyan)
• They are selling them at the foothill where Light Infantry Division (LID) 88 is setting up a camp. No drug pushers are reported to have been arrested. (Participant in Namkham)
• What can the police do? There are 10 drug users to every policeman. Anyway, using drugs instead of bullets seems to be killing more Shans. (Participant in Hsipaw)
• I volunteered to report to the local police on drug pushers. But when I did, the drug pusher was released. He later framed me for a crime I didn’t do, and I went to jail. (Participant in Kehsi)
• Drug pushers here pay 3 Kyat for every 10 Kyat they make to the police. (Participant in Mongkeung)
• Selling drugs here is like selling vegetables. There is nothing to fear. (Participant in Tongta)
• You can buy drugs here anytime you like. (Participant in Mongphyak)

Not only the government and PMFs are being criticized, but in some cases, even the armed groups fighting against them. “Some of these groups ban drugs,” said a participant from Kyaukme, “but others are selling them.” He didn’t name names.
Asked what they wanted the government and the armed groups to do, they had different answers:

• Crop substitution programs
• More schools
• Treatment centers
• Support for local anti-drug movements
• Enlist drug users as soldiers

The drug issue, according to the RCSS/SSA, that has already made two tours since 2012, is the topmost problem among the people of Shan State. “Get rid of it,” it was told during the first tour, “and we will elect your party for the rest of our lives.”
The RCSS/SSA has yet to set up a political party. “Until and unless the 2008 constitution is amended, we won’t even consider it,” said its leader Sao Yawdserk.