ICRC visits Shan State

ICRC visits Shan State -- again

Human Rights

Amid threats of dire punishment for those who testify against the military, the International Red Cross delegation is visiting southern Shan State's Laikha township for the third time, said rebel sources yesterday. 

"(Lt-Col) Moengzuen (Commander of the Shan State Army's 758th Brigade) has been busy exhorting the local people to divulge everything without reserve," briefed Sao Yawdloi, adviser to the SSA. 

The ICRC is reported to be in Haihseng and Nawngkaw, villages southeast of Laikha. Laikha is 79 miles northeast of Taunggyi, the state capital. 

Inside sources also said Moengzuen and his troops are travelling in the area with tolajis (farm tractors) in civilian clothes. During a recent interview, he told S.H.A.N., "I'll risk myself to the utmost to inform the world about our people and our people about the world affairs that have bearing on our struggle." 

It is not known how the local people will respond to the ICRC's questions. "Both yourselves and your families will be put to death with your tongues severed and your throats cut if you reveal anything," a local Burmese commander had warned them prior to its second visit. Two village committee members were later beaten until "both of them were covered with blood from head to toe," according to refugees coming to Thailand. 

The ICRC that has been working in Burma since 1986 made its first investigative trip to the Shan State on 4 November 2002 and the second on 28 January. 

"We believe that the mere fact of being present in conflict-affected areas and repeating our visit to the people there can have a preventive protection effect," said Michel Ducraux, head of ICRC's Burma delegation. 

However Red Cross officials have privately acknowledged that so far impact on the local people's security is still nil. 

Update:

A handout circulated later (5 May) identified the managing director as U Sai Shan a.k.a Tar Wai from the Wai Family Electrical Production and Supplies Co. Ltd. The company also has an office in Rangoon's Sanchaung Township.

Further details

28 May ICRC team, 8-persons, led by Jean Christophe Sandoz arrives, Puts up at Mao Guesthouse. 

29 May One 4-men sub team goes to Haihseng. Another, led by New Zealander Philippa Nicholson goes to the township hospital. 

30 May Goes to Haihseng, Wan Hsarng and Marklarng. They are only day trips. 

"Col Moengzuen is mistaken in thinking that whatever ICRC knows will be made public", commented a Shan woman activist. "The ICRC does not work that way." 

For further information, see 'Be Quiet', Freedom News, 5 June http:/www.shanworld.com.