Autonomous Special Region 4 (SR4) in Eastern Shan State

[/fusion_separator]

About Special Region 4 (SR4)

Special Region 4 (SR4) is an autonomous part of the Shan State, located in eastern Shan State in the northeast of Burma.

There are no Burmese authorities in SR4 and the Burmese military (Tatmadaw) or police cannot get into the area. NDAA-ESS (National Democratic Alliance Army-Eastern Shan State) of Wa nationality reigns in SR4. They are the Government.

Mong La is the capital of SR4, situated about 15 minutes’ drive away from the PRC border.

Approximately 35% of the population are Wa and the rest are of Shan, Lahu, Akha, Lisu and Loi ethnicities. Very few are Burman, usually businessmen and some doctors and nurses.

In SR4, Chinese currency is used and Yunnan dialect is subtitled on the majority of all signs.

Mong La can be described as a “Casino city” and lots of Chinese people come there to play. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants, and the cars are modern. SR4 has a higher standard of living than the rest of the Shan State, except for Special Region 2 (SR2) in Wa State.

UWSA (United Wa State Army), Burma’s biggest non-state armed group, has troops and battle positions along the border with PRC in SR4. One might even say that SR4 is part of the PRC,and not Burma.

Photos and information: Sai Kwan

“My dream is that all the non-Burman ethnic nationalities live in their own mother countries with liberty, democracy and safety” (Sai Kwan)

[/fusion_separator]

This gallery was sent to Burma Link by a website visitor.