Wa Expansion To The West Confirmed Link To Salween Dam Speculated

Wa Expansion To The West Confirmed Link To Salween Dam Speculated

Both local and opposition sources confirmed the extension of the Wa forces into warlord Khun Sa's former area in Mongton today. 

A junior officer from IB 225 told S.H.A.N.'s source that his company in Loihtwe was replaced by a 100-strong Wa unit on 15 May (The company, commanded by Capt. Myint Thein, is now on rotation in Pang Maisoong, opposite Wianghaeng District, Chiangmai). 

"We need them for security of road construction," the officer said. 

The Wa's entry into the area has caused speculation among several people. 

One told S.H.A.N.: "Just wait and see. A new heroin refinery and a horsepill (amphetamine) press will be here soon."

Another said: "Although Was and the Burmese do not like each other much, both are proteges of China. Maybe China has some designs in the area". [Was and the SPDC troops fought briefly in Monghsat on 16 May which resulted in the killing of 4 Burmese soldiers]. 

Yet still another watcher thought it might be linked to the proposed Salween Dam project. "The Burmese believes the Was will be able to handle both the local populace and Yawdserk's Shan State Army better, when the time comes to build the dam or else they would not have given up Loihtwe easily". 

The final survey of the dam site at Tang Palao, north of Tasang in Mongton Township, was reported to have been completed on 18 May, over one month ahead of schedule. 

Many Shan organizations as well as environmentalists have been protesting against its construction. 

Reported by: Seng Khao Haeng

N.B. There has as yet been no comment forthcoming from the SSA, whose relationship with the UWSA so far has been "normal and friendly".

It has now been learned that the surveying for the Salween Dam has not yet been completed, and is likely to carry on till the end of the year.