Secretary 3 in Kengtung to direct the operations

Secretary 3 in Kengtung to direct the operations

Thai-Burma Conflict

Rangoon's No. 5 top man has been in Kengtung since Saturday, a day after No. 4's funeral, to oversee the Burma Army's campaign along the border, said sources from eastern Shan State. 

Lt.-Gen Win Myint, Secretary 3 of the ruling State Peace and Development Council and Adjutant General of the Armed Forces, arrived in the Triangle Region, commanded by Maj-Gen. Thein Sein, on 24 February, took a whirlwind inspection of the situation in Tachilek and Monghsat and is now back at the regional command headquarters in Kengtung, they said. 

It was not known whether he has in effect replaced the late Lt-Gen. Tin Oo, who tripled as Secretary-2 of the SPDC, Chief of Staff of the Army and Director of the Special Operations. "One thing's sure. He is here to represent Gen. Maung Aye". 

Another source however said Rangoon is yet to decide on Tin Oo's successor. "They're looking for an officer of a younger generation, who will help prop the junta for many more years to come", he said. Win Myint will be 58 on 30 March. 

He served as Commander of LID 22 and Commander of Western Region before his appointment as Adjutant General in 1995. He became Secretary-3 two years later.