“A gambling den raid in Pauk Kaung Township, Bago Region, has sparked concerns among local residents. On February 24, in the afternoon, members of Battalion 3602 conducted a raid on an illegal gambling operation at the border area between Pyay and Pauk Kaung Townships. The gambling operation was being run by individuals known as ‘Daw Tine’ (pillars) of the military council. During the raid, the authorities apprehended several gambling operators and participating civilians, seizing over 700,000 kyats and various gambling paraphernalia. Investigation revealed that the operation was primarily controlled by Zeyar Oo, a local from Wet Htee Kan area, and Tue Ko, the nephew of Pyu Saw Htee leader Nga Htun from Siquin Kone village. Zeyar Oo is known to be a prominent butcher business owner and a hardcore supporter of the military council in the region. According to Battalion 3602’s decision, instead of imposing severe punishments, the detained individuals were released after receiving warnings and instructions to refrain from participating in such gambling activities in the future. However, in a statement released by the battalion, it was revealed that the military council and its subordinates are establishing such gambling operations with the deliberate intention of diminishing the revolutionary spirit among the public and distracting them with entertainment activities. The battalion has specifically warned local residents to avoid involvement in such illegal operations, emphasizing that gambling dens can have severe negative impacts on the community. They also highlighted that participation in these activities, which only serve the military council’s financial interests, could undermine the objectives of the revolution. The emergence of these gambling operations has been identified as part of a broader strategy by the military council to weaken public support for the resistance movement. By creating environments that promote gambling and other diversionary activities, the council aims to redirect people’s attention and resources away from supporting the revolutionary cause. The raid has exposed the complex relationship between the military council’s local supporters and illegal activities in the region. The involvement of prominent local figures like Zeyar Oo and the nephew of a Pyu Saw Htee leader demonstrates how the military council utilizes its network of supporters to maintain control and influence at the grassroots level. Battalion 3602’s approach to handling the situation – choosing to educate and warn rather than punish – reflects a strategic decision to maintain positive relations with the local community while still enforcing law and order. However, their strong messaging against participation in such activities indicates the serious nature of the threat these gambling operations pose to both social stability and the revolutionary movement. The incident has also highlighted the ongoing challenge faced by resistance forces in combating not just the military council’s direct actions, but also their indirect attempts to undermine the revolution through social manipulation and the promotion of destructive behaviors within communities. Local residents are now being urged to remain vigilant and maintain their focus on supporting the revolutionary cause, rather than being drawn into activities designed to serve the military council’s interests. The battalion has emphasized that community solidarity and resistance to such diversionary tactics are crucial for the success of the broader revolutionary movement.
