Since 2009, the Burmese military regime (the State Peace and Development Council – SPDC), has been constructing a new 361-km long railway between Mong Nai in southern Shan State and Kengtung in eastern Shan State.

The regime is claiming that the railway will promote the development of Shan State, facilitate passenger travel and ‘contribute to swift flow of commodities.” However, the speed and ruthlessness with which the railway is being carved through this isolated border area reveal a much more sinister agenda.

Scores of bulldozers and trucks are at work at each end of the railway, where thousands of acres of farmlands have already been confiscated. Attempts by farmers to complain have been met with threats of prison.