Jailbreak in Shan State

General

Jailbreak in Shan State

An unknown number of convicts together with their jailers escaped last night from Loilem, 47 miles east of Taunggyi, the Shan capital, according to ceasefire sources.

The 18 keepers also took a truck and 22 assorted weapons with them. The pursuers later came across the abandoned truck between Panglong and Laikha.

"They could be former members of the discredited MI (Military Intelligence)", a source ventured his opinion.

Following the dismissal of Gen Khin Nyunt, last October, the former head of the MI Service, his followers were disposed of in 4 ways, according to a former military officer:

• Arrest and Imprisonment

• Permission to retire

• Joining the regular military units and

• "Chasing out"

Update

2 of the deserters arrived at SSA base:

• Sgt Htun Htun Aung

• Pvt Zaw Moe Htun

They had abandoned their motorcycle after it ran out of fuel. 15 others, not 16, they said, had fled in a truck. further details still in want.