Shan Writers Take a Dim View of The Loss of Natural Resources

Shan Writers Take a Dim View of The Loss of Natural Resources  

Shan writers have become increasingly critical about the speed of the loss of natural resources in the Shan State, according to printed materials S.H.A.N. has received recently. 

One doctor writes: "The Inlay Lake, according to old records, was once 36 miles wide and 11 miles long. It has now been reduced to 11 x 4 square miles." A reader concurs, "It was 14 x 7 square miles only 30-years ago." 

Another writer with the penname of Lailai, put it this way: The Monghsu gemland, with more than 1,000 lots, have already been dug by foreign companies. So have the Mongkut (Mogok) ruby mines. No less than 200 viss (1 viss= 1.6 kg) of gold has been taken out by others at Thabeikkyin (between Maymyo and Mogok). Besides, the Cornerstone Resources from Australia has just signed an agreement on 12 October 1999 to extract zinc from Longkhing, Mongpawn Township." 

He also speaks bitterly of Asia World Co. Ltd. of Lo Hsinghan, and AAA Co. removing raw material from Lashio, Zarmlao (Hsipaw) Hsikip (Panglawng) for their cement factories. "It is also learned that another foreign firm has offered to renovate the Namtu silver mines, "he writes. 

"A song (written by the late Khwanfah of Hsipaw) praises: 'As long as the Namkhong (Salween) is there, Shanland lives'. But while we are still singing it, others are already setting out to dam it." The same goes for the Nammao (Shweli), he says. A hydroelectric power plant is to be constructed at the Hsowen Falls, according to him. 

He speaks of the fast reduction of teak forests in the north and also the Wa company of Hongpang purchasing lands confiscated by the military authorities from the local people. 

Altogether 471,323 acres in the whole Shan State including 63,000 acres in the north have been taken from the people, he complains.