Armies brace for contingencies

War

Armies brace for contingencies

as Convention opens today

All army units along the border, whether Wa or Shan, Thai or Burmese, have been put on the highest alert for any eventuality that might take place, just as the military-organized National Convention, that has been suspended for 8 years, resumes today, according to border security sources.

"There's nothing wrong with what we are doing," insisted Lt-Col Kawnzuen, Commander of the Kengtung Force, Shan State Army. "We're just following the ancient adage: If you want peace, prepare for war."

He said the SSA was not the only one that has ordered its troops to be on the watch. "Both Burmese and Wa troops facing us (at Loi Kawwan, opposite Chiangrai's Mae Fa Luang district) have also beefed up their positions in anticipation of any attack. My guess is that each of them is getting prepared more for a strike from each other than from us," he ventured.

The reason, he thought, was the United Wa State Army's open backing for the 7-point demands issued by six other groups that, like itself, enjoy truce with Rangoon. The call includes support for participation by those elected in 1990 and revocation of the 104 constitutional principles that will guarantee a leading role of the military in Burma's politics, among others. (Ceasefire groups position supported by Wa, S.H.A.N., 14 May 2004)

Other backers for the call are National Democratic Alliance Army-Eastern Shan State, led by Sai Leun (Sai Lin); Shan Nationalities People Liberation Organization, led by Tarklay; and Karenni Nationalities People Liberation Front, led by Zanda, according to a ceasefire source in Rangoon.

"The National Convention is a big challenge as well as an opportunity (for the ceasefire groups)," commented Chao Tzang Yawnghwe, Chairman of the exiled Ethnic Nationalities Solidarity and Cooperation Committee that has been calling for a tripartite dialogue. "They have not only to resist being coopted as the junta's puppets, but, at the same time, attempt to enlarge the political space within the bogus National Convention framework, and outside this frame work if possible."

Thai Army sources also report it has been reinforcing its troops stationed along the border between Thailand's Chiangrai and Burma's Monghsat and Tachilek. "There were 4 bomb attacks in Tachilek, in May last year," said an officer, "and we don't want them repeated."