Anti

Anti-Thai rally just routine, say Kengtung residents

Attending the public rally in Shan State's eastern city of Kengtung Saturday (1 June) was no more than a part of life under military rule, said two townsmen from Kengtung, 160 km north of Tachilek, opposite Chiangrai. 

"There wasn't any ill will against Thailand involved on the part of the people," said a 50-year Kengtungian, who managed to sneak across the border to visit Maesai. "The Burmese (authorities) like to hold rallies. They want us there. It is not good for us to dodge them. So we go there. The speakers pretend to give speeches and we pretend to listen. In the end, when they raise their fists and shout slogans, we do the same and go back home a hurry to have our meal. It's all very normal." 

It would have helped if the authorities paid attention to accommodate the rally-goers, he added. "But then they would be asking us for more money to feed us." 

Another source dismissed Rangoon's report that 20,000 people were present at the rally as an exaggeration. 

"The field (Myoma Sports Ground) wouldn't hold more than 3,000," he said. 

Another rally had been held yesterday in Taunggyi, Shan State's capital, to denounce "external elements that interfere in the internal affairs of Myanmar and that keep destructionists," together with the rebel movements still fighting against Rangoon particularly the Shan State Army and the Karen National Union.