Among the Shans Shan army tightens security

Shan army tightens security

Among the Shans

The Shan State Army of Yawdserk issued an order to its units along the Thai border to increase its vigilance, said one of his deputies on 22 June. 

Col. Khurh-ngern, who is responsible for military affairs, told S.H.A.N. he had just ordered all units to maintain strictest observance of its principles and regulations following Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's visit on 19-20 June. 

"One result, we learned, was Rangoon's agreement to allow Thai inspection of our side of the border," he explained. "Accordingly, we have ordered our commanders to see that our troops keep to our side and that anyone caught dealing in drugs will face capital punishment whatever his past merits are." 

He added that the leadership suspected that the Burmese military might try to implicate the Shans in connection with drugs. 

One of the Shan State Army's six guiding principles is anti-narcotics. Others are Unity, Independence, Democracy, People's Livelihood and Peace.