Burmese and Wa step up eviction program of Shan villagers

Burmese and Wa step up eviction program of Shan villagers

Since the order came out from the Triangle Region Command in Kengtung in mid May, Shan villagers south of the Monghsat-Tachilek highway are being threatened to leave their villages by both Burmese and Wa forces in the area, reported sources from the border. 

On 20 June, Kawnzing, 51, headman of Mongton Tract, Monghsat Township, and his secretary, Zai Nyunt, 45, were arrested by Captain Saw Maung, Commander, Company 4, LIB 336 (Mongphyak) on charges of collaboration with the Shan State Army. They were beaten and tortured until they were unable either to eat to drink. 

"It naturally terrified us, so we decided to leave fearing this may also befall us," said a villager who arrived in Fang, Chiangmai province, with his family. 

They also reported the forced possession of their homes and fields by the Wa troops leader. Lao Chung, a subordinate commander of Wei Hsiao-kang, United Wa State Army. "They took wheatever they wanted from our fields," said the same villager. "If they decided they liked a particular field owned by a villager, they just put up a house in there without paying anything. A home of one of our neighbors was taken after they promised to pay rent. But in the end he received no payment and just lost his home." 

Mongtoom, a village tract of 400 households, has since May seen more than 20 of its inhabitants being taken into custody by local Rangoon authorities. (See Report No: 05 - 19 on www.shanland.org) 

"More than 300 of us have fled our homes," the villager estimated. He asked S.H.A.N. not to reveal his name because he might place his relatives who were still back in Mongtoom in danger. 

Mongtoom is near Mongkarn Tract that is opposite Therdthai tract of Mae Fa Luang District, Chiangrai Province.