No.18 - 12/2005
24 December 2005

War

People ordered to mobilize

Once again since the American invasion of Iraq in 2003, the people of Burma especially along the border with Bangladesh and Thailand have received orders to be prepared to fight a war, according to Crusader in Maesai:

However, while the total strength of the paramilitary organization in Arakan state in the west is 6,970 according to Narinjara News, it will be more than 20,000 in eastern Shan State's Tachilek township alone.

Each quarter or village tract is to report a full list of 1,146 strong paramilitary battalion by the end of the year:

• The quarter/village tract headman is to double as the battalion commander
• A militia leader member will serve as his second in command
• The rank and file will be made up of members from the Union Solidarity and Development Organization (USDA), fire brigades, Myanmar Women Affairs Federation (MWAF) and Maternal and Child Care Association
• Women, age 18-55, will be responsible for relief and entertainment
  There are 7 quarters and 13 village tracts in Tachilek township, according to an earlier report. The total population is said to be around 130,000.

The order was issued following a meeting in Kengtung presided over by the regional commander Maj-Gen Min Aung Hlaing on 14 December. The reason for the apparently snap mobilization has been given as reports of Shan State Army 'South' planning to dispatch demolition squads into Tachilek. "Nobody believes it," said a businessman flatly. "We think there is a hidden agenda behind all this hustle and bustle. Maybe they are getting the people ready for the referendum."

Rangoon is currently holding a National Convention to lay down principles for a constitution that privileges the military.