Ceasefire groups held to ransom

Politics

Ceasefire groups held to ransom

Log movements stopped

Armed groups in Shan State a large part of whose funds come from the officially-authorized timber trade had recently been informed to suspend their business activities until the National Convention is over, according to ceasefire sources from northern Shan State.

"It is an attempt to force us into toeing their line at the Convention," commented one of the officers from Shan State Peace Council, a merger of the Shan State Army "North" and Shan State National Army that had concluded truce pacts with Rangoon in 1989 and 1995 respectively.

The coalition's 7 delegates led by Col Gaifah, its General Secretary, are attending the extended meeting that began on 17 May to formulate "fundamental principles for the State Constitution for the emergence of a discipline-flourishing democracy which is desired by the people," in the words of Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Chairman of its Convening Commission.

The order from Rangoon, relayed through the Northeastern Regional Command based in Lashio, 110-miles south of the Sino-Burma border at Muse, coincided with the issuance of 7-demands by 6-ceasefire groups on 11 May, noted a source. The demands called for the re-examination of the military's claim for a leading role in the country's politics, free discussion and debate, and the participation of those elected in the 1990 polls, among others. (Re: Ceasefire groups position supported by Wa, S.H.A.N. 14 May 2004)

The result was the laying-off of logging activities in the quadrangle area controlled by the SSPC, south of Hsipaw and Lashio.

"It was just as well," remarked a source from Muse. "Because the area has almost run out of hardwood. Too bad it couldn't have come earlier."

Since 1997, teak logs, processed into rectangular shape, had been from transported Panghai and Nawngpu, two main timber markets, across Ta Marnhsom and Ta Hoong ferry crossings on the Salween and through Panghsang, the Wa capital, into China. Most of the buyers were Chinese and Wa, who paid Y 80,000 - 100,000 per ton. "Now, the price is down to Y60,000," said a local trader. "But there's no one to take up the offer."

The Democratic Voice of Burma also reported on 23 May that regional commands had been ordered by Rangoon to beef up their forces around areas controlled by ceasefire groups.

In the meantime, little information is coming out of Nyawnghnapin Camp, north of Rangoon, where the National Convention is being held. "They are probably listening and yawning over the riot acts being read out by the Burmese officials who instead choose to call them democratic principles," wise cracked the officer.

According to London-based Global Witness, China's timber imports from Burma surged by 40% last year.