SSA

SSA-SSNA TERRITORIAL DISPUTE

On October 1, 1995, delegations from SSA and SSNA met at Seng Kaew, the SSA headquarters in northern Shan State, to talk over their territorial problem. The SSA delegation comprised Loi Mao, Pang Fah, Kawng Tai, Kai Fah and that of the SSNA included Karn Yord, Sai Yee, Khei Min and Kung Khur as its delegates. Bo De Wing, a 73 year old well-known and respected Shan elder, was invited to preside at the meeting. 

At the meeting, Pang Fah (commander of SSA 1st Brigade, over 1,000 strong) told Karn Yord (SSNA) chief that the area in which the SSNA has its base was once SSA's territory. Karn Yord seized it when he was in the MTA. Therefore the areas of Loi Kur, Loi Parn, Nam Lurn, Wan Lee, Nar Mark Khor etc. must be returned to SSA. There could be violence if SSNA refused to pull out from the areas. 

"When Karn Yord was with Khun Sa, we told him that we had made peace with the Burmese for the betterment of the people and for our personal well-being. Bur he affronted us by saying that SSA was a group of stupid Shans who had fallen into the Burmese trap. Now he is following our steps. So he must give back our territory," said Pang Fah.

The SSNA bases in Hsipaw township, northern Shan State are under the command of Maj. Kung Khur and Maj, Khei Min. For the upkeep of their forces, they levy tax on all vehicles, big and small, at 50,000/-K each. Tolagyi (small tractors with a trailer) have to pay 4,000/-K each. In some places to avoid the disapproval of the Burmese and SSA, they secretly force people to collect for them.

The meeting took the whole day, but no agreement could be reached. It ended with the Chairman earnestly requesting them not to resort to violence and saying the meeting would be resumed some time in the future.

Karn Yord returned to Pang long the next day and as before, the Burmese authorities never let him leave the town without their company. Three or four MI constantly follow him and military authorities frequently ask for him. 

After the meeting, Bo De Wing, the Chairman, is reported to have said that fighting might be unavoidable because both sides refused to compromise. He was very disappointed and did not want to work with Karn Yord anymore, and he said he would go to them only on request.

While Bo De Wing was in Thailand, the Burmese military detained his eldest daughter for 14 months. She was released only when he returned on Karn Yord's invitation after the MTA split, and Karn Yord was inviting all Shan leaders. Bo De Wing is now living with his old friend Bo Lu (an ex-major in SSA) at Lashio Long near the house of his ex-wife. Bo Lu had also been to Ho Mong some time ago and was detained for 5-6 months on his return by the Burmese authorities.