Myanmar: MP Accuses Militia of Aiding Chinese Timber Smugglers in Puta-o

Aug 17, 2016 | Swan Ye Htut, Myanmar Times
View Original

Smuggling of valuable timber in northern Kachin State has reduced forest cover in some areas by up to 80 percent, say local officials. They blame a local militia and its civilian officials, as well as foreign accomplices, amid hints that the national armed forces might be involved. The smuggling is said to take place in the zone controlled by the Khaunglanphu force, between border posts 30 and 46. The high-value trees being felled are known as thit min bayin, kyaut htinshu ahkaung pin and other rare varieties. They are said to be particularly valued for the making of coffins supposedly capable of preserving the remains buried within.