More poppy fields reported

More poppy fields reported

Drugs

Despite Rangoon's avowed war on drugs, the existence of extensive poppy fields continued to be reported by the local populace both in the south and eastern parts of Shan State. 

The latest is in Kengtawng sub-township, Mongnai township, Loilem district, southern Shan State, where the Wa, Kokang and ethnic Chinese bosses have brought down hundreds of northern Shans (Tai Neua), who are noted for their industriousness. 

Kengtawng, once a thriving area of more than 50 villages, can only claim less than ten at present after the massive forced relocation campaign by Rangoon in 1996-97. As a result, it has become a restricted area to the outsider, except for a few logging companies, including Asia World of Law Hsinghan and Shan State South of Maha Ja. "Hsaikhao, for instance, has been cut off, after a new road has been built," said a former headman Kangta, 53, of Tonhoong, "even though it is only 25 miles south of Kunhing, 25 miles north of Tonhoong, 30 miles southeast of Kholam and 22 miles west of the Salween. So, apart from the locals, nobody takes notice." 

In addition, the local populace were said to have been warned by Maj Myint Lwin of Light Infantry Battalion 569, based in Kunmong. "Without permission, nobody will be allowed to come, to see or to hear things. If all are able to eat, that should be enough." 

Aside from the newcomers, the local populace, both Shan and Palaung, are also engaged in the ongoing poppy cultivation. The tax for the local Burmese military varies: 15% for each viss (1.6 kg) of opium produced in some places and 20% in other places. 

The harvest is being purchased a Lao Yi Hsang, 50, an ethnic Chinese boss, at 190,000-200,000 kyat ($ 190-$200) per viss. 

According to UN Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention (UNODC), opium output in northern Shan State had been cut by half during the previous season. But critics say the decrease in the north had been more than made up by the marked escalation in the south and east.