Military authorizes logging

by admin — last modified 2008-01-29 09:51

Burma’s military authorities have allowed a militia chief to cut teakwood in Kengtawng, Southern Shan State, according to local sources.

By: Lieng Lern

Permit was given to Mahaja and his partner to log between Kengtawng and Kengkham, a strip of teak forest between Kunhing and Mongnai Townships. Trucks 10 wheels, 16 wheels and 18 wheels carry teak logs from Kengtawng to Kunhing, where they are gathered.

“About 20 vehicles, 16 and 18 wheels, working at Tasang dam on the Salween River are also employed to carry teak for Mahaja,” one villager said.

From Kunhing, teakwood is transported to the Salween and then across the river to Panghsang, the Wa capital, on the Sino-Burma border for trade with China.

“If the vehicles can drive up the hill, they will bring big saws to cut the trees. If not, they will use small saws. After that they will use elephants to pull the teak out of the jungle,” he added. “The people employed to cut timber are paid Kyat 150,000 ($120) per ton. There are 6 elephants whose owner is Hking Sai from Kunmoeng village tract, Kengtawng sub-Township”.

The SSS Company that has been given the concession belongs to Mahaja, who surrendered in 1996 with Khun Sa. He is also the leader of the militia force in Homong, the former base of Khun Sa, on the Thai-Burma border. Mahaja has trading offices in Langkho, Mongnai, Namsang, Loilem, Mongpawn and Taunggyi.

His partner is Nang Hseng Awng, 27, from Kengkham.