_ by Hseng Khio Fah (Shan Herald Agency for News)

Junta authorities have provided temporary ID card to Chinese citizens presumably to get more support for the junta drafted constitution in the coming May referendum, according to sources from northern and eastern Shan State.

Thousands of Chinese citizens across Namkham, Muse and Panghsai townships in northern Shan State have received their white cards. “It is as if the military is not sure about the support of its own people for its draft charter,” said an opposition source.

“By the look of things, it’s likely the visitors (meaning Chinese) are going to become residents and vice versa,” said an informed native who wishes to be anonymous. “Later they are going to control all the lands and economy like they do in Mandalay.”

In order to get more support from the people in the May referendum, junta authorities had been issuing ID cards almost for free to people in Shan State. But Chinese and Thai citizens of Chinese origins were paying up to Y 1,000 ($ 150) in Mongla, opposite China’s Daluo, and B 5,000 ($150) in Mongton, opposite Thailand’s Chiangmai.

There were many temporary ID cards of different colors that the authorities had issued to the people such as pink, green and white. Wa, Kokang and people in areas of ceasefire groups don’t’ get access to hold pink or green cards, which are considered to be temporary citizenship cards. The white card cannot be used for evidence to prove one’s citizenship, it is explicitly stated at the reverse side of the card.