Another ceasefire officer nabbed

Politics

Another ceasefire officer nabbed

Reporters: Hawkeye/King Cobra

A Shan ceasefire officer and his wife were arrested by troops based in Mongton, opposite Chiangmai, early Tuesday, 22 February.

The house where Captain Ba Mieng of the Shan State Army - North's First Brigade and Nang Nu had been staying in Nakawngmu, 25 miles north of the Thai border, since 2002 was raided by soldiers from Infantry Battalion 65 at 03:00 in the morning. Sources said 18 assorted weapons including 2 pistols were found.

"The timing is significant," said a neighbor, who happened to be Lahu militiaman. "Everyone knows ceasefire group members quartering outside their bases maintain their arms for their own security. But the raid came at a time when relations between the Burmese military authorities and the SSA "North" was getting tense (following arrests of Maj Gen Hso Ten in Taunggyi on 9 February)."

An SSA 'North' source however rejected the arrest of Ba Mieng had anything to do with the group. "He was recalled a long time ago but he refused to return citing this and that," he said. "He has been AWOL (Absent Without Leave) for so long I can't remember when he left us."

Other sources thought Ba Mieng could have been involved in gun running. "He wouldn't have that many in his possession, if it were for his own personal security."

Update:

His wife was released on 24 February.