Shans ask PM to rethink crackdown order

Shans ask PM to rethink crackdown order

Prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was recently sought by prominent Shan exiles to reconsider "your order and plan to crack down on the pro-democracy activists," according to copies of the letters received by S.H.A.N.. 

In her appeal to the prime minister, dated 18 August, that was delivered through the Thai embassy in London, Sao Noan Oo of Lawkzawk, said it would amount to "supporting a murderous regime." 
Another, Sao Hsokhanpha a.k.a Suakhanfah of Yawnghwe, said he feared "you and your government will be accessories to war crimes and genocide." 

Both cited "License to Rape", a report by Shan Human Rights Foundation and Shan Women's Action Network, documenting 173 incidents where 625 girls and woman in Shan State were sexually assaulted by the Burmese army troops. According to the report, 83% of the rapes were committed by officers. The accounts had outraged the international community and prompted a quick denial from Rangoon, that accused the two NGOs as "offshoots" of the Shan State Army "South" of Col Yawdserk. 

Both claimed, "truth cannot be hidden forever". The former princess from Lawkzawk added, "(S)ilencing the Shans in Thailand is not going to stop other Shans all over the world to continue to reveal the crimes against humanity committed by the Burmese military junta." 

Thai government officials denied there were any such plans. Nevertheless, yesterday's raids in Sangklaburi, a border town north west of Bangkok, on democracy groups had thrown fears among activists in Chiangmai, Maehongson and Maesod whether they would be the next targets. 

Lawkzawk and Yawnghwe were principalities in the Federated Shan States, the former name of the Shan State of Burma.