Shan rebels deride Rangoon conference

Shan rebels deride Rangoon conference

Shan State Army commanders have dismissed statements made by junta spokesmen at the Rangoon press conference on Monday (26 May) as "a total farce". 

Referring to the allegation that the bombing operation on 21 May and the ambush on the following day were carried out by the "SURA drug trafficking insurgents (Central)" especially Hsantit (Burmese pronunciation of Hsarmtip, a common name in eastern Shan State) with the rank of company commander, Lt-Col Khurh-ngern assured S.H.A.N. that the group's structure did not allow for the establishment for an independent command. "All of our units except for a few mobile combat forces and the Kengtung Front have identification numbers," said Khurh-ngern. 

Lt-Col Kawnzuen, whose Kengtung Front operates west of Tachilek, also disclaimed having any company commander with the name of Hsarmtip. "That's absolutely untrue," he insisted. 

Observers also noted that Rangoon's briefing paper provided very little detail about Hsarmtip, the suspected saboteur, and "how, when and with whom he did what he did" to enable them to look into. 

A counter statement issued by the SSA yesterday promised it is "inquiring to find the real culprit." 

The press conference had rejected allegations of Wa involvement in the attacks as "fabricated news."