Trouble brewing after giant jade rock seized and deemed state property
Tensions are rising between gem scavengers and the Taut Pa Kye Company in Hpakant township, Kachin State, after a huge jadeite found by scavengers was confiscated as it was said to be state-owned property. After the jadeite was discovered in the Taut Pa Kye Company work site and confiscated April 27, the company appeared to be shutting down operations. As a result of the move, scavengers were planning to commit arson on the company premises, said a Hpakant local U Naw Aung on May 1. “The company is now seeking protection from the army,” he added. Scavengers in the Taut Pa Kye Company’s work site discovered the jadeite, weighing over 7.8 tons, on April 27.
