Junta orders another batch of recruits

Written by Hseng Khio Fah

Tuesday, 06 July 2010 17:13

The junta military is ordering its own militia units in Shan State North’s Tangyan Township, 83
miles south of Lashio, to conduct a new recruiting campaign, according to local sources.

In addition, it also equipped more weapons to all the militia units in the areas bordering the
Shan State Army (SSA) North’s controlled areas, said a local resident in Tangyan.

Tangyan is a town located west of the Wa headquarters Panghsang and some areas are under
the control of its ally SSA 1st Brigade.

The order was passed in mid May after ethnic ceasefire groups like the United Wa State Army
(UWSA) and the Shan State Army (SSA) ‘North’s First Brigade decided to remain opposed to
Naypyidaw’s demand to transform themselves into junta run militia force.

On 5 July, Lt- Colonel Kyaw Kyaw Naing, Commander of Tangyan based Infantry Battalion (IB)
#33, reportedly provided more weapons to Lahu militia units in Nalao and Loizay village tracts.

Most militia members from the two tracts are led by Xiao Terh. The strength of Lahu militias in
Tangyan Township alone is said to be around 400.

According to a local source, weapons that were handed to the units were M22 and M16
automatic rifles.

Afterwards, the groups were ordered to recruit new members, at least have to recruit 20 men
from each village. Due to the order, many villagers are leaving the areas in order to escape the
recruiting.

“Most are Lisu and Palaung villagers,” he said. “Only ethnic Chinese are willing to join the militia
units for the sake of their business like drug trade.”

A border watcher commented, “It is apparent that the junta military is giving more space to the
militias who are now playing in a major role in the drug trade.”

A housewife in Namakham who was quoted in Shan Drug Watch 2009-2010 report said,
“Where there is a militia, the Burma Army does not bother.”

The report said opium poppy is grown more in northern Shan State particularly in areas under

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Junta orders another batch of recruits

Written by Hseng Khio Fah

Tuesday, 06 July 2010 17:13

the control of the Burma Army and its militias than in areas under the ceasefire groups in the
2009-2010 seasons.

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