Local Brew Banned in Kengtung:

[shan@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

24 September 1999

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".

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For further information, please contact S.H.A.N. at:
Shan Herald Agency for News.
P.O. Box. 15, Nonghoi P.O., 50007, Chiangmai, Thailand
Ph/Fax: (053) 807 121
e-mail: <shan@xxxxxxxxxxxx>

S.H.A.N. is a non-profit making, independent Shan media group. It is not 
affiliated to any political or armed organization.