Still no signs of outlawing license to rape

More than three years after the regime was condemned by the international community for condoning sexual violence following the publication of License to Rape by the Shan Women's Action Network, the Burma Army has yet to stop using sexual abuse as a weapon of war, reports border-based Lahu National Development Organization.

Light Infantry Battalion 329, based in Monghpyak, roughly halfway between Kengtung and Tachilek in eastern Shan State, is a case in point.

• On 26 June, the column headed by the battalion commander (who was identified by Thai-based Network for Democracy and Development as Lt-Col Toe Myat) surrounded the twin villages of Jani and Ah Pawday, 4 miles south of Monghpyak. Some of the villagers, were accused of supporting the Shan State Army "South" of Col Yawdserk, bound and beaten. In the afternoon, Ah Sha, a 14 year old girl was raped by the commander right in front of her parents. The villagers were later warned, "If there is any failure in future to inform (the Army) about the rebels' movements, you are going to witness more excesses from us."
• On 1 July, another village, Hajakhai, about 18 miles on the road to Tachilek was surrounded and finding no signs of SSA members, a 15-year old girl was picked out and raped while the village headman and her parents, under armed custody, stood helpless outside the bedroom. The act was committed by the battalion commander himself, claimed the sources.

The 329th column was ambushed later on 13 July when 16 soldiers were reportedly killed. (Spoils of War, 15 August 2005)

The SSA is active in Mongpiang, Kengtung, Mongyawng, Monghpyak, Tachilek, Monghsat and Mongton townships in eastern Shan State.

Note:
Jani and Ha Jakhai are Akha hilltribe villages, while Ah Pawday is Lahu.