Since taking control, the ethic army has imposed its rule on the ruby-rich town.
While companies affiliated with the previous military junta were banned from operating, locals allege that large-scale mining rights have been granted to individuals connected to TNLA leaders and foreign business interests, particularly from China and the Wa State—which is controlled by the United Wa State Army (UWSA)—and that those mining operations are causing serious environmental damage.
The dirty and sad truth in Myanmar is all the Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) fighting against the Junta are corrupt authoritarian regimes themselves. Just as bad as the military junta they are fighting, if not worse. The simpletons in international media will paint EAOs as heros fighting against tyranny when in plain sight they are ruled by a few men whose aims are far less noble.