Wa beefing up but as yet no hostilities

Wa beefing up but as yet no hostilities

Border watchers told S.H.A.N. today no hostilities are reported even though wave after wave of Wa expeditionary force are arriving in the area opposite Chiangmai and Maehongson. 

Beginning 28 November when 45 Tiger Toyota offroaders arrived in Mongton, two other arrivals have been reported so far, said the sources: 

One source believed there were 40-50 Chinese among the assault troops, but no confirmation could be obtained, said Maihoong. 

Their mission was to see that the border from BP-1 (Border Pass-1) opposite Chiangmai Province to Mae Aw, opposite Maehongson Province, is closely guarded. 

Meanwhile, increase of junta forces was reported in Mongtoom-Mongkarn area opposite Mae Faluang District, Chiangrai Province, prompting Thailand's Phamuang Force to reinforce its own troops along the border to see that there was no spillover from the expected fighting between the Burma Army and the Shan State Army's Kengtung Front, commanded by Lt-Col. Kornjuen. The Shan commander, however, could not be reached by S.H.A.N. 

An inside source told S.H.A.N. it was better to talk first before any decision: whether or not to fight, was taken. 

According to the principles of the United Wa State Army, he said, the Wa would not fight unless attacked, quoting: "We shall not fight anyone who does not act hostile towards us, but we shall definitely fight anyone who does." 

The Peace and Democracy Front, which the Wa is a member, also advocates the principle of safeguarding peace and opposing war, he said. "In addition, the upholding of the principle of settling conflicts through negotiations and that it is against settlement of disputes by force." 

During S.H.A.N.'s brief stay in Panghsang in August 1997, a Wa leader, who requested anonymity, also said: The SURA (the former name of the SSA) is considered a friendly force." 

The PDF was founded on 30 November 1989 by the 4 ceasefire groups, namely, Myanmar Democratic Alliance Army (Kokang), New Democratic Army (Kachin), Eastern Shan State ARmy (Mongla) and the UWSA.