Poppy Fields Flourish Under Junta Grace

Poppy Fields Flourish Under Junta Grace: Shan trader

A Shan trader from the north told S.H.A.N. yesterday that poppies in the Shan State's northernmost township are being grown under protection from the local military authorities. 

Haw Maohurng, a trader in northern Shan State, says: "Infantry Battalion 23 in Namkham Township allowed villagers north of Milestone 12 to grow poppies. The total acreage is 690", he said: 

1. "Loilawm 110 acres, 

2. Sanguay 60 acres, 

3. 'Microwave' Hill 350 acres, 

4. Pangwo 95 acres, 

5. Pangkha 25 acres and 

6. Namsai 50 acres". 

However Haw Maohurng could not say how much the villagers had to pay the battalion for his "permission". 

Further south along the areas close to Thailand, the tax rate is reported to be B. 5,000 for 1-2 acres and B. 10,000 for 3-4 acres. ("Protecting and Taxing Drugs: Burmese Officers' Favorite Pastime: Shan villager", S.H.A.N., 19 October 1999) 

Haw Maohurng added that villages under junta-recognized militia units enjoyed a freer hand in poppy cultivation.