Local populace against expected Shan

Local populace against expected Shan-Wa war

Reporter: Saeng Khao Haeng

People in Mongton township of southern Shan State have expressed their opposition to the probable war between the Shan State Army and the United Wa State Army, said sources coming across the border recently. 
"I thought the war between Wa and Shans fighting for the benefits of Rangoon was over with Khun Sa's surrender (in 1996)", said a trader coming from Mongton. "Now for whose good are they going to war against each other again?" 

Several agreed with the trader. 

"We've been risking ourselves and our family's lives by supporting the SSA all through these years," said another. "I hope Sao Yawdserk doesn't let us down". 

Many voiced a dialogue between the two "before things go out of control". 

Since mid-November, units of the UWSA had been pouring into Mongton township, stopping and spotchecking both travelers and vehicles along the Mongton - BP1 road. 

The SSA also reported 5 battalions of the UWSA's 171st Division of Wei Xiaokang moving in to set up bases in Nakawngmu, Mongtaw, Monghta, Khailong and Namkad. The first three locations are opposite Chiangmai Province and the remaining two opposite Maehongson Province. 

Shan elder, Chao Tzang Yawnghwe, meanwhile commented: "In terms of strategy, it is totally disadvantageous for Sao Yawdserk and the Shan State... (but) I guess he has to do what he has to do, in order to survive, if only for immediate survival... He is involved in a game where he has no leverage".