Shan Army rounds off annual meet

Shan Army rounds off annual meet

Reporter Saeng Khao Haeng from Loi Taileng

The Shan State Army led by Yawdserk concluded its 4-day annual meeting yesterday at its headquarters opposite Maehongson province amid Wa drive into the area under its control since last month. 

The fifth annual meeting that began on Sunday (31 December) and attended by representatives, both military and civilian, from the SSA's 8 brigades, 1 front and 3 mobile columns, reviewed the year's activities and laid down plans for the year 2001. 

The SSA, facing 1,000-strong Wa expeditionary force coming into Homong-Monghta Area since the end of November, reaffirmed its 6-guiding principles among which is Anti-Narcotics. 

During the last two years, the SSA had launched 16 attacks, destroyed 7 refineries and seized more than 70 kg of heroin and 2 million methamphetamine pills, according to SSA reports. 

Among those promoted was Maj. Khamleng of Khunsang Tonhoong Column, who made a name for himself with his anti-drug raids along the Thai border. He becomes new commander to Brigade 759, formerly commanded by Lt.-Col. Khurh-ngern, who is now at the Loi Taileng headquarters as the new Chief-of-Staff to the Army. Khamleng is succeeded by his second-in-command, Maj. Khiaofah, as the column's commander. 

Asked what his plans were about the Wa presence in his turf, Yawdserk, who is also President of the Restoration Council of Shan State, considered a pseudo government of Shan State, said he was not unduly worried. He refused to elaborate. His aides later told S.H.A.N. the SSA would employ military means only as a last resort. 

So far no hostilities have broken out, they added.