News Brief

News Brief

1. Khun Sa cronies sentenced by US court

3 people arrested in November, 1994, by a joint Thai-US operation, were sentenced by a court in New York on 18 July, said a letter from the United States. 

They were 

• Chang Yuenlong, 6 years;

• Li Jiajeng 5 years; and,

• Chao Yu-an aka Zai Long 5 years.

As for Asafa, who was released earlier, "he has not arrived home yet," said the source. 

2. Junta Captain Rides "Horses" 

Reporter: Palaung Network: <dragon@cm.ksc.co.th> 

Police captain Htin Kyaw, stationed in Ze-in, 20 miles southwest of Lashio, went down to Mandalay on 7 August in "Shan Taungdan" (Shan Hills) bus with 12,000 "horse pills" amphetamines, said an anti-insurgency militia officer to Palaung Net recently. 

"Htin Kyaw, on his arrival in Kyaukme (67 miles from Lashio), changed into his police uniform and wore his pistol," said the source who is an ethnic Chinese. "There is an anti-narcotics checkpoint in Nawng-Khio (33 miles away), and he thought he needed them to impress the officials there. He was right. He passed the gate without being searched and got off scot free."

This is an example of how SPDC officials are getting themselves involved in the drug trade to enrich themselves and their families, added the source. 

N.B. Lashio-Mandalay = 180 miles.

3. More Relocations in Kunhing

Reporter: Lahu Network: <lahunet@chmai2.loxinfo.co.th>

According to Lahu Network News on 26 August, Shan and Lahu villages in the vicinity of Kunhing are being forced to relocate to "Mainghlay", Kunhing and "Kyindaw" by the commander of "LID 66." 

Those that refused to obey the directive were threatened with summary execution. 

"Already 5 Lahu villagers have been shot dead", said refugees fleeing to the border. 

N.B. S.H.A.N. has yet to locate "Mainghlay" and "Kyindaw." According to S.H.A.N.'s own source, the Light Infantry Division active in the area is LID 99 and not LID 66.

4. Mongton populace being requisitioned to pay for transport mules

IB (Infantry Battalion) 65, LIB (Light Infantry Battalion) 225 and LIB 513 (519?) are collecting "contributions" from the local populace to buy "porter mules". Each household has to pay K.500 to the army through its respective village headman.

5. Mongton populace forced to work in Army's peanut farm

From 10 August to 15 August, local people were forced to work free of charge on a peanut farm belonging to SPDC in Mongton, Monghsat District, Eastern Shan State, reported Lahu Network News. 

One member for every household has to be present at the farm, bringing his/her own tools and food.