Wa commander dismisses Shan attack

Wa commander dismisses Shan attack

The commander of the Wa forces facing Thai troops between Shan State's Mongton and Thailand's Chiangmai yesterday brushed off Rangoon's allegation that the Royal Thai Army and the Shan State Army jointly launched an attack against a Wa outpost on 25 March.

"We did not know the Queen was coming", said Jalabo, Deputy Commander of Special Brigade 171 yesterday. "But we heard reports about unusual Thai movements along the border and went to investigate."

He claimed the Thais opened fire first killing 2 and wounding 1 of his men. "We couldn't leave our dead behind, so we counterattacked to wrest them back."

He said the weapon taken from Sgt Suban Onla, who was killed, was forwarded to his superiors. "If the Thais want it back, they should contact Rangoon."

Jalabo is deputy to Wei Hsuehkang, the drug fugitive who is wanted both in the United States and Thailand.

Jalabo commands six of the battalions stationed west of the Mongton-Chiangmai road:

• Battalion 615 (Sanklang) commander, Ta Lu

• Battalion 616 (Mongjawt ) commander, (unidentified)

• Battalion 617 (Loi Htwe) commander, Ta Marn

• Battalion 618 (HQ Security) commander, (unidentified)

• Battalion 619 (Khangpa) commander, Sarm-lawt

• Battalion 59 (Pang Surhtao) commander, Lao Htang

He also confirmed the oncoming anti-drug operation to be waged along the border. "People are allowed to get rid of any incriminating substance beginning 1-15 April," he said.