Hilltribes Blame Shan Army For Destruction of Poppy Fields

Hilltribes Blame Shan Army For Destruction of Poppy Fields

Hilltribes along the Thai border are expressing their displeasure with the Shan resistance for its forcible destruction of their poppy fields, said S.H.A.N. reporter, who just returned from his trip to Maehongson. 

Several hilltribesmem, mostly Lahus form Pangmapha District, complained to S.H.A.N. that units from the Shan State Army's Khunsang Tonhoong Column, commanded by Maj. Khamleng a.k.a Sai Chit, had been patrolling along Thai-Shan border and destroying poppy fields. "A difficult man to deal with, no amount of good words or money would change his one-track mind", said one from Soppawng. 

"The Burmese Army, in contrast, is easier to deal with", another from Ban Ela agreed. "Instead of destroying our fields, they even encourage us to grow and to set up refineries. The only condition is that we pay tax to them". 

Another hilltribesman from Ban Hueypim also said, "Thailand and Burma have governments recognized by the world, and yet they know when and where to close their eyes off. The Shans are still fighting for freedom and they need our support. But why are they trying to alienate us by knocking off our pots and pans (meaning their poppy fields)?" 

The source from Soppawng told S.H.A.N. that opium along the border is of a higher grade. "With those from across the Salween, you may need 5-10 viss to refine it into 1 kg of heroin", he said. "Here you will need not more than 4 viss to make 1 kg (of heroin)". 

One of the Shan State Army's Guiding Principles is Anti-Narcotics. According to one of its statements, the SSA has been putting the principle into practice since last year, with the capture of a laboratory, allegedly belonging to Gen Tin Oo, Secretary-2 of the SPDC.