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Ex-Resistance Fighters Returning To The Struggle

'Rambo' Rapped By No:1

Former resistance fighters who surrendered along with Khun Sa in early 1996 are returning to the armed struggle, said a Shan visitor to Thailand's Chiangrai yesterday.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo, known as "two fisted Rambo", was reprimanded by Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, who recently visited Kathegwin, a resettlement for ex-resistance fighters, near the border with the Karenni State of Kayah. 

"Don't consider yourself smart," he was reported to have said. "If you were, how the hell has a handful of Yawdserk's army gone up to 7-8,000 men?"

The visitor stated several reasons for the former fighters' return to the jungle. " They are witnessing extreme injustices in the junta-ruled society, for one thing. For another, they don't find any security or future for themselves. The Government, for them, has failed them. On the other hand, life may be hard for them with Yawdserk, but, at least, they are retained by a sense of purpose that they are doing something worthwhile both for themselves and their people."

As a result, former fighters who brandish their " surrender cards" issued by the authorities in 1996 are no longer tolerated any more in the Shan State, particularly along the border areas. "They can move freely in Burma (proper), but along the border areas, they need an extra good conduct pass from the Military Intelligence."