Briefs

Briefs

Renewal of workers registration

An official at Chiangmai's labor office told S.H.A.N. that the first day for the renewal of work permits for alien workers yesterday (24 February) brought only 31 applicants. "Today only 10 have turned up so far," she said. The time was 15:00.

One reason, she explained, was the mandatory medical checkup took time. One worker told S.H.A.N. she would know the result of the physical examination only the day after tomorrow (27 February). She said she went to the hospital with her employer this morning. (25 February)

Several people who were at the registration center, both employers and employees, complained they were still confused about the whole procedure.

More troops, weapons and supplies coming to the border

Sarmlaw, S.H.A.N. correspondent at the border, reported that about 600 Burmese troops arrived at Nakawngmu, roughly halfway between Mongton and BP-1 (55 miles), opposite Chiangdao District, Chiangmai Province, this morning in 30 Chinese six-wheeled lorries.

"More than a hundred porters including women have been collected," he quoted from his source in the area.

It was not known who the targets were although the Shan State Army's 241st Brigade, commanded by Lt-Col Khun Jaw, was reported to be active around Hpabawng and Sanzu, opposite Fang, another border district of Chiangmai province. Apart from the SSA, there were several units from the United Wa State Army's 894th Brigade under the de facto command of Wei Hsaitang who was reported to be having trouble dealing with both Rangoon forces and Wei Hsuehkang. The disputes had led to the mysterious attack on 10 February that left 7 junta soldiers dead and 3 wounded, according to border watchers.

Meanwhile, another group of 150 porters (50 each from Maeken, Mongharng and Poongpakhem tracts) have, since 15 February, been engaging in carrying supplies from Namhukhun, east of Poongpakhem, to Pakhee outpost, where an assault by the Shans on 22 April last year brought the two countries into "a war of words". "It would be a month-long job for them without compensation," a source told S.H.A.N..

Slaughtered refuge seekers identified

Six Shans, including a 4-month old infant, who were robbed and shot to death allegedly by soldiers from IB 281 on 30 January near the BP-1 border post between Burma's Mongton and Thailand's Chiangmai were identified by friends and relatives who arrived later as follows:

1. Loong Kawn, 56, male, Loisarng village, Hamngai tract, Mongkerng township

2. Zai Awta, 38, male, "

3. Zai Nyunt, 35, male, "

4. Nang Pan, 48, female, "

5. Nang Lieng, 27, female, "

6. Nang Nang, 4 months, female, "

They were found dead near the Thai border.

The guide, an enlisted man from IB 281, was later reported to have disclosed the killers were from the same unit. The offenders also took B. 36,000 and 2½ baht of gold from the slain travelers.

Company 2, IB 281, at BP-1, is commanded by Maj Nyein Htun Kyaw, according to the source.

(The news was first reported by S.H.A.N. on 14 February.)

S.H.A.N. Oversight
Re: Portugal gets to know non-Burmans, the date of the meeting, as pointed out by the representatives, was Monday, 18 February and not Tuesday, 19 February. Saw Zakis is also a CC member of the KNU and not EC member as reported. Our sincere apology for the mistakes.