Order for a new forced relocation drive out

Order for a new forced relocation drive out, says source 

31 May 2001According to an informed source in eastern Shan State, military commanders in the region had been, since mid May, issued with orders to rid the rural areas opposite Thailand of Shan villagers. 

The order issued to commanders in Monghpyak, Monghsat, Talurh and Tachilek by Maj.-Gen. Thein Sein, Commander-in-Chief, Triangle Command in Kengtung, instructed them to evict all villages of Shan origin south of the Monghsat-Tachilek road, opposite Chiangmai and Chiangrai provinces of Thailand, he said. 

The order also directed the local commanders to assign the task to the United Wa State Army by informing the latter that the whole area would come under its control "once the job is completed". 

"Even before the order came out, conditions under the Burmese and Wa units in the area were so unbearable many households in Nayao (opposite Pangnoon village, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiangrai) have already moved out either to Monghpong (east of Tachilek) or to Thailand that is only 3 hours walk away", he said. 

From 15-28 May, 21 villagers in Mongtoom Tract, including 3, headmen, were arrested and sent to prison in Monghsat, according to him. (List is attached). 

"They were accused of gathering information for Thailand and the Shan State Army of Sao Yawdserk. Their houses and fields were also confiscated", said he. 

Mongtoom has 8 villages (400 households). 

The list of those arrested: 

1. Siri, 40, Headman, Mark-hoong Kang Village 

2. Intawong, 34, villager, Mark-hoong Kang Village

3. Karbkham, 36, villager, Mark-hoong Kang Village

4. Nawkham, 40, villager, Wannawng

5. Myatawng, 35, villager, Wannawng

6. Kanhtila, 32, villager, Wankard

7. (name not available)  Mrs. Kanhtila, 28, villager, Wankard

8. Zai Liang, 35, villager, Wankard 

9. Panya, 34,villager, Mark-hoongloi 

10. Zai Hsin, 27, villager, Mark-hoongloi

11. Zaray Pan, 40, Headman, Mark-hoongloi 

12. Ziantarn, 40,villager, Mark-hoongloi

13. Narnnon, 33, villager, Mark-hoongloi 

14. Zai Mint, 41, villager,Wantoom

15. Kaling, 56, villager, Wantoom

16. Yama, 30,villager, Wantoom

17. Pularm, 60, Headman, Hpak-ha

18. Kodkham, 33, villager, Wanpoong

19. Zai Hpong, 27, villager, Mark-Oh

20. Khampoot, 32, villager, Mark-Oh

21. Ziansarm, 27, villager, Mark-Oh