Ailing ceasefire leader back from Hong Kong

Ailing ceasefire leader back from Hong Kong 

Lin Mingxian a.k.a. Sai Lin (Sai Leun), leader of Special Region #4 (Mongla) in eastern Shan State, has returned from Hong Kong where he had been taking treatment after a second massive stroke, reports Moengzay from Chiangrai.

"He appears to be feeling better," said a source from Kengtung. "He can walk with a stick now though shakily, and speak with some difficulty."

Another change has been made in the leadership, according to him. Zhang Zhiming a.k.a. U Kyi Myint, who became chairman a month ago, has now been elevated to the position of "patron" together with two others, Liu Chingpao and Khun Myint. The new chairman is Sarm Pler, who used to be commander of the security force in Mongla. The three vice-chairmen are Khun Sanglu, Hsiao Per a.k.a. Htun Hlaing and Lin Taoter a.k.a. U Htein Lin, Sai Luen's son, who doubles as commander-in-chief of the National Democratic Alliance Army (Eastern Shan State).

The army has three brigades: 815th in Mongla, whose commander's name is unavailable, 911th in Mongyawng commanded by Sai Htoon, Lin's younger brother, and 369th, commanded by Kham Mawng and Oon Mao.

Lin, 53, is a native of Panghsai, Muse District, near the Chinese town of Wanting, Yunnan Province. He joined the Red Guards during the tumultuous Great Cultural Revolution in China and returned in 1968 to fight with the Communist Party of Burma's People's Army. In 1989, along with the Wa, Kokang and other groups, he concluded a truce agreement with Rangoon. His father-in-law is Peng Jiasheng, leader of Kokang group.