Locals in Mohnyin Urge Authorities to Swiftly Control Knife Carrying Drug Users

Pajau Media

October 3, 2025

In Mohnyin, Kachin State, local residents said they fear for their safety as drug users are openly carrying knives around town, and they are urging the concerned authorities to immediately take action and control the situation.

According to a 45 year old woman who runs a food shop, the number of drug users has significantly increased compared to the past, and many of them now roam around the town carrying sticks or knives, causing widespread fear among residents.

"That drug user came to my shop three times in a single afternoon. One time to buy fried rice, another time to ask if I sold alcohol, and then came again to hang around in front of the shop while playing around and acting strangely. He kept a knife in his shoulder bag when entering the shop. From the way he did it, it felt like he was waiting for a moment when the shop was less crowded. The children at my shop were really scared, so everyone has to be on alert now," the woman said.

Locals also reported that at midnight drug users often shout loudly in a manner resembling military training drills. "About three days ago, around 1 a.m., two drug users were shouting very loudly 'left, right, left, right... steady, calm, careful, just like soldiers marching and training," said another woman from the town.

Residents said drug users have been living in makeshift huts in areas such as Jar Phyu, Moe Tar Su Quarter, Nyaungtama Pagoda, and the old cattle fields in Aungthapyay Quarter. They also move around the town in groups, asking people for money, which has raised serious concerns that they might pose physical danger to the public.

In August, it was reported that over 60 drug users were dumped in Mohnyin Township by vehicles. Among them, some had previously been forcibly recruited by SNA (Shanni Nationalities Army) from the Indaw Gyi area and were made to undergo military training. Locals now worry that this situation has created an even greater potential threat to the safety of the town’s residents.

News- Kachin Pyitar