A private school owner told the Shan Herald that the KIO is demanding Ks 900,000 each from private elementary schools, one million kyats each from private middle schools, and Ks 1.5 million each from private high schools for the 2017-2019 fiscal year. The schools have to pay the taxes to the KIO’s 9th battalion revenue department branch in Kutkai Township by June 15.

“This is the first time [the KIO] collected tax from us. I heard that they extorted money from a private school last year. I think they came to collect the money because they know the people who work with education have money,” said the private school owner.

Ethnic armed organizations often extort money from local residents in Muse and tax collection letters have been received by shops, boarding schools, guesthouses, and hotels every year, she continued.

“People who have money don’t dare to show off in Muse. The lives of Muse residents are pitiful. They often receive tax collection letters. They are scared,” said Sai Kyaw, a Muse resident.

A priest from the Kachin Baptist Convention, who supports the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), confirmed that the KIA is collecting the taxes but the Shan Herald has not been able to receive a separate confirmation from the KIA.

The KIO’s letter to Muse private school stated that it was not extortion and the organization is only collecting annual tax.  

“Last month, our guesthouse received a letter from the Palaung Army (Ta’ang National Liberation Army) asking for one million kyats. The letter stated that we have to go to China to pay the money. Then, they call the guesthouse every night,” said a guesthouse owner from Muse.

Ethnic armed organizations and people’s militias frequently call in on Muse so the local residents often face extortion and live in fear.

There are totally 21 private schools in Muse.