Shans push along the Mekong

Shans push along the Mekong

War

Despite adversities, the Shan State Army of Col Yawdserk is proceeding with its campaign that began in November in townships along the western bank of the Mekong, according to border sources.

The operational area includes Kengtung, Mongyawng, Monghpyak, Monghsat and Tachilek townships, according to Lt-Col Gawnzuen, Commander of the Kengtung Front based in Loi Kawwan, opposite Chiangrai province.

Altogether, 5 SSA battalions, estimated at 150-200 strong each, are involved in the drive:

• Battalion 6, commanded by Capt Hsaitip, in Mongyawng
• Battalion 11, commanded by Maj Moonmai, in Kengtung
• Battalion 15, commanded by Lt Lernzuen, in Mongkok sub-township, Monghsat
• Battalion 8, commanded by Capt Pong, in Monghpyak an Tachilek
• Headquarters Security Force, commander unidentified, in Monghsat

Several clashes are reported though sources were unable to say anything about outcomes.

"In Mongyawng, the Burmese Army's reactions are such, there are few people who want to be village headmen," wrote a local source, who recounted the fate of those suspected of assisting the SSA:

• Sai Wan, headman of Hokho village, Wanham tract, was interrogated by electrocution
• Sai Hsao, headman of Wankawm, Wanham tract, was interrogated by using rollers on his shins
• Sai Hpiu, headman of Wanhpiao, Hawngzarng tract, was interrogated by wrapping his head in a plastic bag and pouring water over him

All three, arrested in March, are now in jail. "The situation is such people have to be forced to take turns as headmen," wrote the source. "Even Sai Tun (Commander of Brigade 911, Special Region #4, a ceasefire group in the area) issued directives to villages under his jurisdiction to report any movement of the SSA in his area. 'I don't want you to get into trouble with the Burmese military,' he said. "

he local Burma Army unit, Light Infantry Battalion 334, is now reinforced by Infantry Battalion 244 from Kengtung. The two battalions also issued orders to the local people to report presence of outsiders, obtain official passes if they are traveling outside and to set up a 24-hour sentry duty.

In addition, a 18:00 - 08:00 curfew was imposed.

The Shan State Army has reportedly offered peace talks several times, but Rangoon's standing response to the Shans' overtures are that they must surrender.