Tax dodgers mowed down by Wa

Some 20 traders were lined up and executed in a hail of gunfire by Wa troops under Wei Hsuehkang at noon on Wednesday (31 May), according to sources on Maehongson's Pang Mapha district border.

The Wa troops from the 171st Military Region, commanded by Wei's deputy Yang Guojong, raided the traders' camp at Hwe Zalawb, north of Khangpa, opposite Pang Mapha, and confiscated all the opium brought down by them, they said. The consignment was due to be sold to a refinery at Khailong, south of Khangpa, under the protection of a Wa officer Ta Man.

The doomed opium caravan was led by Japao and Pawli, Lisus coming from across the Salween. "They were charged of tax evasion and summarily executed," said a hill tribesman who returned from the area.

The two Lisus, for better or worse, were taken to Hwe Aw in Mongton Township, where Wei's younger brother Hsuehying is headquartered. It is not immediately clear as to who issued the execution order.

A Thai security officer, questioned by S.H.A.N this morning, was unable to confirm the report but promised to cross-check on it.

Wei Hsuehkang's 171st Military Region covers border areas stretching from Tachilek in the east to Homong in the west, opposite Chiangrai, Chiangmai and Maehongson provinces.