Increased clashes precede referendum

_{By Hseng Khio Fah (Tel: +66-80-1260076)}
 
In response to the question why there have been a significant increase in the frequency of engagements between the two since the beginning of March, Col Yawdserk, Chairman of the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), the political arm of the SSA South, explained that Burma Army units have been escorting official mobile teams assigned with the task to issue household registers and ID cards. “We are not against our people getting official recognition after years of neglect,” he said. “They may be from now on able to travel across the country more freely. However increased forays by the Burma Army into areas normally operated by us also means increased likelihood of altercations between us.”
 
One such encounter took place on 3 March south of the village of Ham-ngai, Kehsi township, southern Shan State, at 0845 between the SSA’s 362nd Battalion commanded by Captain Pang Fa and the Burma Army’s Column 1, Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 247, according to the rebel bulletin. The one-hour long fight ended after the Burma Army column retreated leaving two dead and two unspecified weapons behind.
 
Other encounters are also reported in Lawkzawk, Kunhing and other townships, according to SHAN sources.
 
The Shan State Army South, as it is popularly known, was formed following the surrender of the Mong Tai Army (MTA), led by the late Khun Sa, in 1996. It is reportedly the strongest anti-junta armed resistance movement.