By Poesangle / MPA
The State Administration Council has blocked the exit from Muse, a town on the China-Myanmar border in northern Shan State, for four consecutive days, making travel difficult for local residents, according to reports.
The blockade began on 23 September 2024 and continues as of today (26 September). Locals said that SAC has imposed the restrictions while arresting operators of illegal online scamming businesses.
Due to the SAC Army’s blockade, individuals traveling from Namhkam to Muse for smart card (digital national identification card) are also facing difficulties.
“They said the roads are closed because they are hunting down scamming operators. Entry is allowed, but no one can leave. We have been delayed by two days already for the appointment for making a smart card. They say the exits are blocked to prevent these operators from fleeing,” said a resident of Namhkam.
During the SAC’s crackdown on illegal scamming businesses, clashes reportedly occurred between the militias who guard those businesses and SAC troops. An officer of SAC Army was wounded and is currently receiving treatment at Muse Public Hospital, according to a local man from Muse.
Although regular movement within Muse town continues, SAC Army and police are conducting strict inspections and are actively searching for individuals involved in the scamming businesses.
“As of today, the town’s exit remains blocked. It is still not possible to travel to Namkham. Within the town, you can see soldiers of SAC Army and police hunting down the scamming operators,” said a local woman from Muse.
On 23 September, SAC forces, along with police, conducted raids on illegal scamming bussiness in Muse and arrested nearly 500 individuals involved in scamming at the Mingalar Muse nine-story building, according to independent media reports.
“I heard yesterday that those arrested for scamming were told to pay 20,000 yuan each for release. It is absurd; they make them pay taxes to run the illegal businesses, then arrest them, and release them after collecting money. It is almost comical,” said a man from Muse.
On 17 March 2024, following pressure from the Chinese government, SAC Army raided the nine-story building near Mingalar Muse and arrested thousands of illegal scamming operators. Among them, 352 Chinese nationals were handed over to Chinese police at Manwain gate located on the Muse-Ruili border crossing on 19 March.
Although the Northern 3 Brotherhood Alliance’s 1027 operation managed to capture several towns in northern Shan State, no major battles have taken place in Muse and SAC still retains control over the town.
