Security for dam builders ordered

Security for dam builders ordered 

Environment

A meeting had been held yesterday in Mongton, opposite Chiangmai's Chiangdao District, where a directive from Rangoon to organize security for dam officials from Bangkok due to arrive next week was conveyed to the military units in the township, reported S.H.A.N. source from the border. 

Tasang, the proposed dam site, is 50 miles west of Mongton and 180 miles east of Taunggyi. 

The personnel from the "Thai company" together with their "equipment" are expected to cross the border at BP1, the border pass between Mongton and Chiangdao next Monday (27 January), said the source. The meeting was held at the command post of Infantry Battalion #65. 

The Shan State Army of Col Yawdserk is active in the area. 

"We work for the people," said Nang Khurhsen Heng-awn, the spokesperson for the group, when interviewed. "It's up to them to decide whether or not they would want a dam on the Salween." She declined to elaborate.

This will be the first singificant move taken by the two countries since the signing of agreement on 20 December, according to observers.

Related Report:
On 28 December, 4 Shans returning from Thailand where they had been working since their homes and farms were destroyed during the 4 cuts campaign, 1996-48, were arrested at Tanghseng, site of the proposed Tasang dam. On 30 December, the villagers in Sala downstream saw their corpses floating down the river. 

The 4 were Wunna, male, 37; Sai Noan, male, 31; Ingta, male, 47 and Noan Zing, female, 30.