Ceasefire congress endorses new leadership

Politics

Ceasefire congress endorses new leadership

The Third Congress of the Shan State Peace Council, a joint setup of two ceasefire groups, Shan State Army "North" and Shan State National Army, held on 3-5 October in northern Shan State's Hsipaw township, had virtually re-elected previous leaders to guide the alliance for the next 4-years, reports a Thai source returning from Burma:
"There are only two noticeable changes," said the Thai of Shan origin, who is currently employed by a Thai firm." "The new General Secretary is Col Sai Du and the new head of the military affairs is Col Sai Yi." "The rest remain the same."

Pangyang-born Sai Du, who, in 1973, had been assigned by the Shan State Army to liaise with Luo Xinghan, then proclaimed by anti-narcotic agencies as the opium king, was nabbed by the Thai police and extradited to Rangoon together with Luo. He rejoined his old outfit upon his release. He was also one of the participants in the 17 May-9 July National Convention.

Col Gaifah, Acting General Secretary since the sudden death of its former office holder Col Gunyawd on 14 March, was re-elected as Vice President-2, a post he had held since the Second Congress in 2000.

Col Sai Yi, the new leader of the SSNA since Gunyawd's passing, and acknowledged as the most capable military strategist in the grouping, succeeded Col Pangfah, Commander of the SSA's First Brigade, as Chief of the Military Affairs. He had joined the resistance in 1976 together with the SSA 'South''s leader, Col Yawdserk. "Sai Yi loves politics," commented a senior officer from the SSNA, "but he is only at home with martial subjects."

The source also said, contrary to S.H.A.N. report on 20 September, the SSPC had yet to make any final decision as to whether or not to attend the next session of the National Convention until a meeting of 13-ceasefire groups that had co-signed the federal proposal at the last session is held sometime in the near future. "The prevailing undercurrent, no doubt, is to attend it," he added.

S.H.A.N. had reported then that the SSPC would be sending its representatives to the next session of the National Convention, causing some concerns among its other allies.

During S.H.A.N.'s last interview with Gaifah, he quoted officials from "one of Burma's neighboring countries" saying "the show should go on with firm principles and flexible approaches."

The National Convention, according to Rangoon, is to resume in the coming open season but the exact date is yet to be announced.

The new line-up

1. Maj Gen Hsoten, President	2. Maj Gen Loimao, Vice President-1	3. Col Gaifah, Vice President-2	4. Col Sai Du, General Secretary	5. Col Sai Yi, Chief of Military Affairs
6. Lt-Col Khemin, member	7. Lt-Col Hsengzoom, member