Kyauktaw residents complain of rising drug abuse at historical pilgrimage site

By Admin 16 Aug 2023

DMG Newsroom
16 August 2023, Kyauktaw

Local residents in Arakan State’s Kyauktaw Township have called for effective action against growing drug abuse at a local, historical pagoda.

Drug abuse at the mountain is not new, but the number of people who do drugs at the mountain has increased as the hilltop pagoda receives fewer visitors these days, according to the Mawra Myay social organisation in the town.

“The situation is growing considerably worse as there are few pilgrims now,” said U Kyaw Myat Tun from Mawra Myay.

Water bottles, pipes, papers and other drug paraphernalia have been found scattered in the compound of a monastery at the foot of the mountain, and at rest houses along the mountain route to the pagoda.

Drug abuse at the historical place of worship for Arakanese people tarnishes the image of the town, said residents.

“The pagoda is visited by people from various parts of the country. And drug abuse at such a place tarnishes the image of the town,” said Ko Aung Hein Lin from the Kyauktaw Youth Organization.

Local residents said items donated by members of the public to the pagoda have been stolen. 

U Kyaw Kyaw, secretary of the pagoda’s board of trustees, said: “Recently, the water pump used to pump water onto the mountain was stolen. We alone can’t stop drug abuse at the mountain. We need intervention by authorities.”

DMG was unable to obtain comment from Kyauktaw Township administrator U Zaw Nyunt concerning how township authorities plan to handle drug use at the mountain.

Drug abuse was reported at temples in the ancient city of Mrauk-U in 2021, but such cases have become rare of late.