Outgoing officer chafes leaving with an empty pocket

Outgoing officer chafes leaving with an empty pocket

A battalion commander in eastern Shan State due to be relieved soon from his tour of duty along the flourishing Thai-Burma border was reported to be "in a vile mood" because, unlike his predecessors, he had failed to become as "well-heeled", reported a source across the border. 

Speaking of Lt-Col Ko Ko Kyi, Commander, LIB 293 (Mongpiang), who had, since the start of the monsoons, been in the Mongtaw-Monghta area, Mongton township, once a booming domain under warlord Khun Sa until he abruptly surrendered in early 1996, the source told S.H.A.N. all officer who came before him, including the late Maj-Gen Thura Sit Maung and Maj-Gen Myint Aung who was forced to retire last year as Commander of the Southeastern Region, "departed home loaded". 

"Even Lt-Col Aye Kyaw (Commander of IB 43 also from Mongpiang), his immediate predecessor, went back with 3-offroaders in his possession only after a 6-month tour," he said. 

One reason was that, unlike others, he was less sociable and less accessible. The other was the presence of the United Wa State Army late last year. "Their appearance on the scene poses as a limit to his range of powers over the local populace," he remarked. 

"All the same, I think he should feel proud of himself for being less corrupt," he reasoned. 

Concerning the Wa fighters, he said, many of them were drug users and spent most of their monthly pay - B. 250 - on "yaba" (methamphetamines). "It is not unusual to see a Wa soldier in front of our house asking for food or cheroots," he said. 

He also confirmed reports that opium output would be high this season owing to favorable weather conditions.