Residents protested against the construction of tents and other paraphernalia at the pier on June 21.

S.H.A.N understands that Myoma People’s Militia won control of the pier in questionable circumstances during a recent auction process.

"The local villagers have been running this pier for 70 or 80 years. They built these roads. Now, the armed group has come to control the pier and collect fares,” explained resident of Man Nawng Village Sai Swal.

The group tried to collect money on the pier back in April but were met with a protest of some 300 local villagers.

Leader of Myoma People’s Militia Sai Sam said “we have officially won the auction to run this pier".

He said the group had met with residents and officials to offer 40 percent of the profit but "they didn’t accept it".

“We also discussed a joint venture and splitting up the profit in a village fund. But we were unable to reach an agreement."

"Actually, we were supposed to start our work in April. We are still unable to start after three months,” he continued.

The jetty is mainly used for trading between Muse and Manhero but local residents also use it to work on nearby farms.

Local residents have been participating in auctions for many years to operate the jetty before Myoma People’s Militia won.

"We don’t know how much we will have to pay now that the pier is controlled by the people’s militia. We won’t be able to travel easily like before. That’s why we want them to return the pier back to the public,” said resident of Nawnghkio Village Sai Non.