Wa torn by factional struggle

Wa torn by factional struggle, says Lahu source

The Wa are splitting into two main factions, according to a Lahu news and source confirmed by several border watchers. 

The Chiangmai-based Lahu National Development Organization reported on 16 September and again yesterday that at least the southern Wa forces had divided into two separate commands since last year when feuds between the two Weis, Hsiaokang and Hsaitang (not related by blood) came to a head later last year. 

Wei Hsaitang, 48, commands Brigade 894 and Wei Hsiaokang, 52, wanted in Thailand and the United States on drug charges, commands War Zone 171. Both units are in eastern Shan State opposite Thailand's Chiangmai, Chiangrai and Maehongson provinces. 

The origins of their disputes could be found in the history of the United Wa State Army that was formed in 1989 following the expulsion of the Communist Party of Burma from the Wa region, said Yaphet, Chairman of the LNDO. 

"Wei Hsiao-kang who broke away from Khun Sa (in 1984) to form the Wa National Council under Ai Hsiao-hsu was having trouble fighting alone against Khun Sa's Mong Tai Army in Mongyawn when he joined the UWSA," he recalled. "Panghsang (the Wa capital) dispatched several units under the command of Wei Hsaitang to the south as a result." 

Yaphet a.k.a. Jakui reported that Hsaitang had initially demanded B. 100,000 compensation for each KIA (Killed in Action) during the 6-year battle against the MTA. "The exact figure is not available," he said. "But there were more than a thousand killed during the conflict." 

However, Wei Hsiaokang a.k.a. Ta Ngao for some undisclosed reason, refused. Wei Hsaitang then paid B. 70 million to Hsiaokang "for his past contributions" and ordered him to move out. "We fought and died for this land," he was reported to have told Wei Hsiaokang," so it's ours now." 

The result was Wei Hsiaokang's expansion to areas into the west once under Khun Sa in Mongton Township in September last year and the recent exodus to the areas opposite Laos, he said. 

Wei Hsiaokang is reportedly close to Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Secretary One of the ruling military council and Burma's intelligence chief.