Curfew in Tachilek follows clashes

Curfew in Tachilek follows clashes

War

Tachilek district, opposite Chiangrai, has been under curfew, 20:00 - 06:00, since 25 November, following clashes between the Burma Army and the Shan State Army "South", according to several sources. 

"We were told by the Army that it would not be held responsible any injuries or deaths that took place during the taboo hours," a village headman told S.H.A.N.. 

Each village around the district seat was also directed to be on sentry duty at the main entrances, while local army units were billeted with the village temple. Each village also had to be responsible for the troops' provisions. 

"Whereas we were only required to present food to the local monks each day, we now have to offer food also to the Burmese soldiers," a source from Mongkoe tract complained. "Nobody knows how long they are going to be with us." 

The SSA's presence in areas east of the Kengtung-Tachilek road came to the attention of the Burma Army when a patrol from Light Infantry Battalion 526 ran across a team of SSA fighters in a rice field north of Salinaw village in Mongkoe Tract on 20 November. The two clashes that ensued left 4 Burmese soldiers dead and 3 wounded. 

At least 3 more encounters were reported between 23-27 November, 1 with LIB 526 and the remaining 2 with Talerh-based LIB 316, when at least 5 armymen were reported dead and another 19 wounded. Private Sai Non, 20, an SSA fighter and native of Palieng village, West Monglane tract, was captured by the Army and said to have died two days after being subject to severe interrogation. 

"His capture led to some arrests and inevitable flights of some local sympathizers," said a local source. 

Ten local trucks are being requisitioned each day by LIB 316 for emergency use, according to them. 

Lt-Col Gawnzuen, Commander of the SSA's Kengtung Force, based at Loi Kawwan, between Monghsat and Chiangrai's Mae Fa Luang district, confirmed the SSA's latest moves, saying the Force's 678th Battalion, commanded by Maj Liengzuen, was leading the campaign with Company 6 on the eastern part of the Kengtung-Tachilek highway and Company 7 on the western part. 

"These clashes mark the first major confrontation between the Burma Army and the SSA since last year," said a border watcher. 

The SSA "South" of Col Yawdserk and the Burma Army had fought two major battles along the border in May and June 2002. 

The SSA's political wing, Restoration Council of Shan State, held its annual meeting 30 November-1 December. One of its resolutions was to pursue peaceful means to resolve disputes with Burma's military government "provided Rangoon agrees." 

Further information:

The most recent clash took place at Mongkiet village in Mongkoe tract. The Burma Army suffered 4 dead and 6 wounded, while 2 of the SSA fighters were reported killed.