Junta Tightens Crossing Rules at the Chinese Border

Junta Tightens Crossing Rules at the Chinese Border

Myo Min Aung, S.H.A.N. source in northern Shan State, reported on 3 September that border crossing rules have changed for the worse at the Chinese border. 

"In the past, a person who wanted to cross over to Zegao (near Ruili) from Muse could easily do it by giving his or her name, age and address and 5 Jaw (100 Jaws make 1 Yuan) for the border pass to the Chinese police, " said the source. 

"But now only those who carry border passes given by the Burmese side can cross over". 

Passes are issued to only those who carried their national ID cards. The locals who can show their Form-10s (household registers) are issued passes with a 3-month tenure. Outsiders are only given a 7-day permit. The passes cost K. 300 each. 

"The visitor has to show his or her pass to the immigration officers both Chinese and Burmese to fix their stamps at the border crossing", said Myo Min Aung, "And has to return to the Burmese side before the gates close in the evening. No one is allowed to spend the night on the Chinese side". 

The Chinese have also installed TV-cameras along the side border-crossings, he added. "We keep hearing people being taken into custody for illegal entries".