Junta Commanders Scramble for Opium Tax

Junta Commanders Scramble for Opium Tax

Military commanders in eastern Shan State are scrambling over each other for tax from the poppy farmers, reported SNA from Kengtung. 

"Battalion commands in Mongpiang Township in the Triangle Command are busy collecting tax from the local farmers for the year's opium season", he said. "Farmers are paying K. 4,000 per field to each battalion". 

As there were four active battalions in the area, namely IB 43 (commanded by Ltc. Aye Kyaw), LIB 332, LIB 360 and LIB 528, the farmers, most of whom are Palaungs, paid a total sum of K. 16,000 per field. 

"But, as the current price is K. 130,000 - 150,000 per viss, nobody complains much", he said. "It is at least better than being forced relocated or being subject to all sorts of abuses that are commonplace". 

The soil in Petkang Tract in Mongpiang has long been known to be especially suitable for poppy cultivation, and has reportedly made life easier for many farmers, whose houses are now roofed with either zinc sheets or tiles instead of thatches, commonly seen in the Shan rural areas. 

Sai Kornseng, IB 43's tax collector, is often found in the poppy villages with 5-6 of his followers.