SLORC

SLORC'S NC BECOMING AUNG SAN SUU KYI'S NC?

A caller from Rangoon has told S.H.A.N. that the next round of the National Convention due to resume on 24 October might result in a compromise between SLORC and the NLD led by the Nobel Peace prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.

The caller, who demanded anonymity, said: "It is no secret that the SLORC and ASSK have been negotiating. Of course, I don't mean every menber of the military junta is happy about the latest development. But if everything turns out alright, there will be good news for all before 24 October." He, however, refused elaboration. He even refused to name the particular members of the SLORC team who are cooperating with the NLD, although Gen Than Shwe, who is reputed to be a good professional soldier and a devout practicing Buddhist, is suspected among a few others. 

Though many are elated by the turn of events, some are openly skeptical. "There is a saying in Lahu: the clever dog allows the pig to dig and scoop the earth until it becomes soft, then he barks the pig away and lies down there" one said. "I fear Ms Suu Kyi may be allowed to straighten out all the troubles the military has caused only to find everything under its control again afterwards." 

Some of the officers in the Mong Tai Army which is undergoing several reforms after being taken control of by a group led by Gunjade, is also worried. "Time is getting rather short for us. If we cannot make up with all the different groups in time, I'm afraid we shall have to make do with whatever the Burmese want to hand out to our people. On the other hand, if we can come to terms with each other, the Burmese shall have to give back whatever is rightly ours." 

The Central Executive Committee of the Shan State Restoration Council in the meanwhile is in a desperate position to win back its mutineers led by Major Karnyord. "At all costs," one said.