Another 4 Cuts Campaign Ordered To Counter the Shan States Army

Another 4 Cuts Campaign Ordered To Counter the Shan States Army 

S.H.A.N. sources in the north reported on 21 July that the junta generals had ordered their troops to wage the notorious "4 cuts" operations against Shan States Army's northern expeditionary force. 

Sources close to the ceasefire groups reported S.H.A.N. that the Northeastern Command in Lashio had issued orders to liquidate without quarter any villager or headman that was suspected to be sympathized with the SSA, anyone that failed to report its movements or anyone that tried to mislead thet junta units. 

The areas that are being penetrated by the Shan States Army's northern expeditionary force commanded by Ltc. Moengzuen are Mawha - Mawhiang in Mongyai Township, and Loimaw - Mongtawm in Tangyan Township. Ma Kuowen and his local anti-insurgency militia unit is responsible for the security of the first area and Bo Mon's other militia unit for the second. Both were from the defunct Mong Tai Army led by Khun Sa who surrendered in January 1996. 

At least 6 junta battalions which include IB 41, 68, 326, 332 506 and 507 are being deployed to blockade, search and destroy the Shan force, the core of which is Moengzuen's crack 758th Brigade. Its strength is estimated from 500 to 900. 

As a result, tortures and killings which were reminiscent of the 1997 - 98 campaigns in the that which led to mass relocations, have started. 

On the part of the Shan State Army a.k.a Shan States Army Northern, being a ceasefire group, it was already forced to move out from its former positions near the cordoned areas. "They have also been warned personally by Maj-Gen Tin Aung Myint Oo, Commander of the Northeastern Command, not to give any assistance to Yawdserk's encircled troops". 

The SSA - N and the SSA - S fighters wear identical insignias, in accordance with the pact they signed on 13 September 1996. 

The situation has given rise to fears of another forced relocation program that might end in another exodus to neighboring countries, said the source.