By Maung Dagon / MPA
The leader of the State Administration Council, Min Aung Hlaing, has accused that youths involved in the ongoing armed resistance movements in Myanmar are being coerced into fighting through the use of narcotics.
This accusation was made by the military leader on 15 October, 2024, during the ninth anniversary of the signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).
SAC, which seized power by alleging election fraud against the government that won the 2020 election, also claimed that the armed resistance fighters are terrorists under the guise of political motives. Furthermore, it was alleged that the youths involved in the ongoing armed conflict are drug users.
“Throughout generations, armed conflicts have always been carried out under the pretext of politics, but they have been acts of armed terrorism. Instead of walking on the path of multiparty democracy to build a united Union, they are putting forth separatist ambitions. They are influencing the youth with narcotics and forcibly pushing them into war,” SAC leader said in his speech at the NCA anniversary event.
A 30-year-old male who had participated in the armed resistance refuted the military leader’s accusations, stating that the military frequently shifts the blame for their own actions onto others. He added that narcotics are found only among soldiers of SAC on the ground, not with the resistance fighters.
“The military always shifts blame for their wrongdoings onto others. This kind of rhetoric has become routine. During the battle to retake Pinlaebu, we found drug paraphernalia, including opium cups, among the captured materials. It is clear who is using and distributing drugs,” he said.
Additionally, since the military coup, narcotics trafficking has been ignored, resulting in drugs becoming easily accessible in major cities. Many youths have become addicted to drugs and have distanced themselves from political issues, according to a young person from Yangon.
“Drugs have been made so easily available that many youths have become addicted. These days, whether you go to a bar or walk down the street, it is easy to find any drug you want. Many educated young people are caught up in this. They no longer care about politics,” the youth explained.
A political analyst based in Yangon remarked that SAC’s accusations lack facts, as many law enforcement officers under SAC are involved in drug trafficking.
“What I have seen is that the young people involved in the armed resistance are not drug addicts. The ones in the cities are the ones addicted, and in many cases, the police are behind the drug distribution. The military leader’s accusations are invalid,” he said.
After the military seized power, many youths initially participated in peaceful protests. However, due to violent crackdowns by SAC, they eventually transitioned to armed resistance, resulting in widespread conflict across the country.
During these battles, resistance forces have captured military bases and battalions, where narcotics have been frequently discovered. Resistance fighters have also detained numerous soldiers who were found to be using drugs, according to resistance fighters.
