Population transfer of Wa continues

Population transfer of Wa continues

Human Rights

Almost a year after the Wa relocation program that started in 1999 had been interrupted by border tensions as well as international pressure against Panghsang, the Wa capital, it has recently been resumed by the Wa leadership, said sources coming from the border. 

The first wave of the year, some 300 people, arrived at Nakawngmu, 26 miles (42 km) from the Chiangmai border, on 14 January. "They were later forwarded to Mongjawd (20 miles in the west), where the headquarters of Special Brigade #171 has been chosen to move," said a source from the area. 

The 171th HQ is at Hwe Aw, 6 miles south of Nakawngmu. Its nominal commander is Wei Hsuehying, younger brother to Wei Hsuehgang, who is wanted both in Thailand and the United States on drug charges. Its planned relocation to Mongjawd, however, is yet to be confirmed by other sources. 

"It appears the Rangoon trusts no Wa units other than Wei's 171th to help watch Burma's frontiers," commented a Thai security official. 

According to Time, 16 December 2002 issue, quoting Bao Yuqiang, the Wa leader, the resettlement of 100,000 Wa from the Chinese border in the north along the Thai border in the south, is to be completed within 2-3 years. A report by the Lahu National Development Organization, Unsettled Moves, however, says the actual number of resettlers had already exceeded that figure by the end of 2001. 

Also according to a Wa spokesman, who granted an interview to foreign media on 16 January 2000, the plan was to relocate 50,000 people. 

Unsettled Moves, The Wa forced resettlement program in Eastern Shan State can be visited at http://www.shanland.org/shrf/Wa/contents.htm.