Was Applying for Logging Concession In The Salween Dam Area

Was Applying for Logging Concession In The Salween Dam Area

It was learned recently that the "Red Was" had applied for logging concession in the Tasang dam project area in return for the cost incurred in road construction in eastern Shan State.

Wei Hsaitang, the commander of the Wa Special Brigade in Monghsat, had, on 25 November 1999, applied to Major general Thein Sein, Triangle Regional Command (Kengtung), for permission to log the forest in Mongpulong, north of Tasang, the projected Salween dam site, according to a source close to the United Wa State Army.

In his application, Wei stated that his brigade had been spending "considerable amount of funds" for the construction of Hsaikhao and Mongkied concrete bridges, the rehabilitation of the Monghsat - Mongyang Nawngkhio - Mongpiang road and the preparation to build the Loikha - Mongpulong road.

He also stated that the brigade would need to get back some of the funds in order to use in the development of Loisarmsao (headquarters of the southern command) and Banhoong (Wei Xuegarg's HQ) in Monghsat.
Accordingly, he asked Gen Thein Sein to approve the logging of 10,000 tons of hard wood in Mongpulong.
According to the documents in possession of S.H.A.N., the UWSA received permission on 20 February to cut 500 tons of hard wood.

Both the local people and the environmentalists fear destruction of the remaining forests and more forced relocations of the people in the area.