Crimes such as muggings and break-ins are increasing in Myitkyina town, Kachin State, said local administrators.
Even in the streets, pedestrians are in danger of being robbed of their valuables such as mobile phones, gold chains, wallets and purses. Meanwhile, there have been frequent break-ins in which things such as laptops and motorcycles were taken away.
“In my community, two muggings happened. Those who commit such crimes are mostly young. Slow motorcyclists, especially women, and battery bike riders are easy targets for robbing. Some couples were also robbed at knifepoint of their motorbikes and mobile phones. Few arrests could be made. Crime has been increasing these months and days. With a lack of political stability, the rule of law has weakened,” said an administrator in downtown Myitkyina.
An administrative official who served under the National League for Democracy governments said Myitkhina had seen muggings in the times of the two previous governments, but various crimes such as muggings and break-ins have increased now due to the lack of the rule of law.
“At a time when we are lacking the rule of law, various crimes like gambling and drug smuggling and abuse are increasing here,” he commented.
Ko Kyaw living in Nantkway village said some valuable things from two homes including his were stolen.
“I forgot to close the main door. My motorbike was stolen between 3pm and 5pm the other day. Now, I have to rent a motorcycle from someone. The motorbike stolen from the brick house at the edge of our street was brand new. It was bought just three days ago. The thief broke into the house by destroying the door lock. If we file a police complaint, nothing will happen. I want to warn that all should take good care of their property,” he said.
Not only Myitkyina but also other towns of Kachin State such as Monyin, Bhamo and Phakant are seeing increasing criminal cases. With a lack of trust and reliance, the residents didn’t usually file a police complaint.
Under the two previous democratic movements, personal assistants and security officers of the chief ministers in Kachin State confronted physical attacks in downtown Myitkyina.
