Shan headmen being nabbed in connection with Shan rebels

Shan headmen being nabbed in connection with Shan rebels

Since fighting died down in May between Burmese-Wa forces and the Shan State Army, Shan headmen along the Shan State-Thai border have been summoned and interrogated by local Burmese authorities.

According to the report received on 30 June, Hpawka, headman of Mongharng Village, Mongton Township (60 miles north of Chiangmai border) was arrested on 17 June by Captain Han Sein, Commander, Company 1, IB 65. He was charged with collaboration with the Shan army led by Yawdserk and taken to the battalion command post.

On 21 June, he was temporarily released to treat his injuries incurred during the interrogation but taken back into custody five days later. "He hasn't been heard of since," said the local sources.

On 27 June, Captain Mya Maung, Commander, Company3, IB 225 of Mongton came to arrest Tawya, secretary to the headman of Hwe-aw, 20 miles north of the Thai border on the same charge. "But, luckily, Tawya wasn't at home and they went back empty-handed," said the source from Hwe-aw. "He has not been seen in Hwe-aw ever since then.

"The same company also summoned Headman Teng of Poongpakhem, 10 miles further south, on the same day to be interrogated. He was later released without harm.

"As for Headman Nyein, who was arrested on 28 May, nothing has been heard about his fate," said a source from Nakawngmu, 30 miles north of the Chiangmai border. "Authorities have also forbidden each and everyone from asking anything about him. Anyone who dares to do so is threatened with execution.

"Shan rebels claimed to have captured nearly 200,000 pills of methamphetamines at the Burmese post of Pakhee, opposite Fang District of Chiangmai, where fighting lasted from 22 April to 3 May.

The bridge near Mongharng was blown out by the SSA during the battle.

Mongharng was the village where King Naresuan the Great (1555-1605) died while marching to assist the embattled Khamkai Noi, Prince of Hsenwi. His unexpected death cost the Shans their independence.