SSA: War with Wa inevitable

War

SSA: War with Wa inevitable

Negotiations between Wa and Shans yesterday broke down after explanations given by the latter were turned down by the former, said Col Yawdserk, leader of the Shan State Army "South".

The Wa had brought 4 charges against the SSA "South" to their meeting near Maesai, Chiangrai province:

• Defamation of the Wa organization

• Abduction of 8 people under Wa protection in February

• Attacking Wa convoys

• Seizure of a watercourse used by Wa bases on the Thai-Burma border

According to unidentified Shan representatives, they had disclaimed all responsibilities for the first two allegations, but allowed that the last two could have been true as the SSA has been doing its best to defend itself against Wa attacks since 13 March. "Panghsang needs to listen to both warring parties before making any decision," a Shan representative was reported as telling his Wa counterpart.

"The Wa were not satisfied and cut short our meeting," said Col Yawdserk. "So it looks like we are in for yet another scrap before we can have a chance to sit together again and talk shop."

The Wa have in recent days deployed about a thousand more troops in Mongton township, apart from some 700-800 from the 171st Military Region facing the SSA opposite Maehongson's Pang Mapha district. "For the time being, troops from the Panghsang Central are only responsible for security behind the lines," he explained. "They have yet to take part in the fighting."

The 48-year old leader who had joined the resistance since he was 17 also conveyed his regrets to the Thai government for all the inconveniences that the forthcoming hostilities with the Wa might bring to the kingdom and its people along the border. "This is a fight that I dearly wish to avoid but cannot," he added, "because we know no matter who loses between the Wa and us, the Burma Army will be the winner".

All three major armed groups along the border: Karen National Union, Karenni National Progressive Party and Shan State Army "South" have, "for the sake of Thailand", vowed not to start a fight near the border.

The SSA has already been engaged in several encounters with the United Wa State Army's 171st Military Region, commanded by Wei Hsuehkang, since 13 March. The latest major assaults by the Wa took place on 3-4 April. Since then the Wa had been reinforcing, according to both Shan and Thai military sources.