No.05 - 07/2006
5 July 2006
Drugs

Wa vows to uphold drug-free stance

A year after the United Wa State Army, dubbed by the United States as a terrorist organization with connections to drug trafficking, declared its territory drug free, its leaders have again pledged to keep its promise to the world come what may, according to a translated version of a speech given by Xiao Minliang, Vice President of the Wa government, on 26 June, World Anti-Drugs Day.

Xiao Minliang

“It has been a year since we made the supreme sacrifice,” said Xiao at a ceremony in Panghsang marking the event, “and we are determined to uphold it whatever the hardships.”

He asked for the international community to provide food and promote education for the Wa people and encourage investments, open up markets and reduce taxes on Wa products.

A total of 73.55 kg of drugs was put to the torch.

Bao Youxiang

Bao Youxiang, the Wa president, who has been in poor health, was unable to attend the meeting, said the translator.

The group has been under heavy financial pressure since 26 March, when Beijing, at the request of Rangoon, closed down its borders to timber and minerals coming through Panghsang. “The Burmese generals want Panghsang to surrender or return to drugs,” said the source. “Either way, we’re finished. The only way we can survive is through understanding and assistance by the international community.”

According to Undercurrents, a publication by Lahu National Development Organization (LNDO) that came out yesterday, poppy fields were in full bloom south of Mongpawk, where the UN Wa development project is ongoing, and north of Panghsang during the 2005-2006 season. “Poppies are also growing in areas directly under SPDC (the ruling military council) control, including in village tracts east of Kengtung,” reads the journal which monitors development along the Burmese side of the Mekong.

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