No. 08 - 10/2005
11 October 2005

Drugs

Wa business firm still on the go

The Hongpang Group of the United Wa State Army in Tachilek, opposite Maesai, is still in operation despite the removal of its signboards as ordered by the Kengtung-based Triangle Region authorities, reports Pegasus from the border:

Not only its factories are still running, motor vehicles with Wa's SW number plates are still roaming the streets in Tachilek as usual.

Since October last year, Rangoon has been launching a countrywide crackdown on unregistered cars known popularly as "withouts", during which thousands of cars have been impounded. The campaign however has left the Wa strictly alone.

Last month's sensational seizure of Wa drugs consignment in Mongpiang, 260 km from the Thai border, is still the talk of the town in eastern Shan State. However, both Burmese and Wa officials have lately refused to utter a word about the affair.

Also a month after the massive haul, Rangoon has yet to issue any public statement. "Which makes us wonder whether Rangoon and Panghsang (the Wa capital on the Chinese border) have reached some sort of understanding," said a local businessman.

According to a Wa source who attended a meeting held at Hwe Aw, 40 km north of the Chiangmai border, Wei Hsuehying, Deputy Commander of the Thai-border based 171st Military Region, had informed the UWSA's local commanders and officers that "the Burmese (military) had tricked us into moving the white powder (heroin) and the pills (methamphetamines) down south so they could grab and blackmail us.

The UWSA has been two options, he was quoted as saying: either to fight the Shan State Army-South of Col Yawdserk or to transform into a pro-Rangoon militia force.

The majority of the participants had voiced against both alternatives, said the source. "But the final decision rests with Panghsang," he said.

The Wa are increasingly feeling restricted by the expansion of Burma Army bases along the border where they have for more than ten years considered their bailiwick.

Related report: Wa business firm signs removed, 2 October 2005