Four killed in enraged outburst

At least 4 Burmese soldiers and pro-Rangoon Lahu militiamen were killed during a shootout following a heated argument in Mongton, report Shan and Lahu sources from the border:

The two parties were having a meeting at Mongton militia chief Longpa's house on the 22 September morning between 10:00 - 11:00 local time, when the unidentified Burmese captain, in a fit of anger, picked up his handgun and shot at Longpa.

During the ensuing exchange of fire, two Burmese soldiers: the captain himself and a private, and two Lahu militiamen, including Longpa, were killed. 8 more (3 Burma Army men and 5 militia men), including Mongkarng militia leader Tin Win, were reportedly wounded.

Lahu sources, on the other hand, say the shooting took place on 16 September and 7 were killed.

All sources were unable to explain the cause of their quarrel.

Two new units, one an armored battalion, had moved into Mongton, 53 miles from the Thai border, in June when the town's long stay infantry battalions #65 and #225 moved out to Pongpakhem, 29 miles from the border. "The newcomers are perhaps not used to dealing with the local militia," ventured a Shan source.