No. 02 - 12/2005
02 December 2005

Politics

Present establishment favors the militia

Gone are the days when ceasefire groups received preferential treatment from Burma's rulers, according to militia sources in Mongton, opposite Chiangmai.

"We no longer need feel shy of meeting the Wa now," said a Lahu source, who was among those visiting Thailand through its porous border. "We aren't third class citizens anymore. It's the Wa who have become third class under (Gen) Maung Aye."

The reason for their newly-found pride, his companion said, was given to them by area commander Col Win Maung at a meeting in Nakawngmu, roughly half way between Mongton and the Chiangmai border, 53 miles, on 4 November.

"Militias had been formed under our supervision," he was quoted as telling Ja Pikoi, leader of the nearby Hwe Aw militia, and his deputy Maung Hla. "You have been most loyal to us as our eyes and ears. Our superiors have therefore directed me to inform you that thenceforth you need not play second fiddle to the Wa and other ceasefire groups. Consider yourself superior to them and if there is any encroachment by the Wa in your assigned area without your permission, you may shoot first and question them later. We will be ready to come to your rescue anytime you find yourself unable to beat them off."

Their account was supported by S.H.A.N. sources in Mongton.

Most of Mongton township's 10 militia forces are composed of Lahu, one of the main non-Shan groups of Shan State, besides which there are the United Wa State Army's 171st Military Region and the Shan State Army-South's 727th Brigade. Two of the SSA's fighters who passed through Loi Khilek, west of Nakawngmu, on 25 November, were shot dead by the militia.