Wa leader dismisses drug charge

Wa leader dismisses drug charge 

The leader of the non-ceasefire Wa group disclaimed an accusations by the Thai army troops that one of its units was guarding a drug caravan when it was stormed on Thursday (3 January). 

Ta Mahasang, commander of the Wa National Army, with headquarters opposite Amphur Muang, Maehongson province, told S.H.A.N. today (3 January) that his group was not dealing in drugs. 

"Obviously there must have been some misunderstandings," he said, "because I had notified the Thai authorities concerned of our troops' positions along the border earlier. Had I been involved in the drug trade, why would I do that?" 

According to Bangkok Post, 3 January issue, the Wa forces retreated after a 30-minute gun battle with the 712th Infantry Battalion on Hill 1355 (Pang Oong according to Ta Mahasang). The Thai army also held that the Wa opened fire on the Thai troops when they demanded to search the hill. "On the contrary, it was the Thais who opened fire and killed Lt Ai Zing, deputy commander of the column, who came out to receive them. Our troops did not return fire but chose to retreat instead, led by Capt Nyi Hseng, the column commander," he said. 

The Thai side claimed capturing 7 Wa guerrillas dead together with an AK 47 rifle. No drugs were reported found on the premises. 

The Wa column, according to Ta Mahasang, had on New Year's Day assigned 4 men to forage for supplies. "They never returned, so on the 3rd, Nyi Hseng, sent another three to look for them. They were taken into custody by a Thai patrol that launched the attack on the Wa position later in the day," he added. 

The WNA is the armed wing of the Wa National Organization, also led by Mahasang. It is a member organization in several umbrella organizations: the Democratic Alliance of Burma and National Council of the Union of Burma in addition to being an ally of the Shan State Army of Col Yawdserk. 

Mahasang is the half-brother of Mahaja of Homong, opposite Maehongson, who is reported to be heavily involved in drugs under the protection of Rangoon forces in the area.