Local Brew Banned in Kengtung

Local Brew Banned in Kengtung

Sale licences for all brands of locally made alcoholic drinks are being banned in Eastern Shan State, wrote an angry Shan from Kengtung.

In his letter to S.H.A.N., the Kengtungian who is a subscriber of Independence, S.H.A.N.'s monthly newsletter, told S.H.A.N.:

"Since July, only the army brew, branded Shan Yoma (meaning the Shan Crest), has the monopoly," said the source "It is being distilled in Kengtung's new town section".

He said people didn't care much for foreign brands which were not banned anyway. "But they were angry because their favorite locally made rice wine, is not permitted to sell anymore".

He said the Burmese destroyed the Kengtung Palace (on 11 November 19991). Maj-Gen. Thein Sein, Commander of Eastern Shan State, officially named the Triangle Command, himself ordered the banning of videotapes dubbed in Shan. "And now even the Shan wine is being banned".

The letter ended with a foreboding: "What else is there to identify the Shans is in danger of being banned".