A member of the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) was fined when his cattle was found grazing on a rubber plantation owned by the electricity department in Mongyang township, eastern Shan State, according to sources.

Sai Peng Hsung (51) was told to pay Kyat 50,000 (US $42) for each buffalo found grazing. He had to pay Kyat 300,000 (US $ 250) for six buffaloes, said a local villager.

"Will you come to claim your buffaloes with the amount we are asking for, or go to the police?" a villager quoted U Kyaw Naing, an officer of electricity department as saying.

The rubber plantation is about two acres and there are around 30 to 40 plants in the plantation.

"None of the plants were ruined," said the source.

Sai Pen Hsung has been a member of the USDA for over three years.