Junta commander: Wa has Hobson’s choice

No.15-02/2009
17 February 2009

War
Junta commander: Wa has Hobson’s choice

A senior Burma Army commander in Shan State East has recently commented, during an informal meeting with businessmen in Kengtung, that war with the United Wa State Army (UWSA) was inevitable unless the latter complied with the former’s demands.

“The Wa need to either surrender or become a local militia force under the Defense Services,” he said.

The Army has been displaying its newly acquired howitzers and armored personnel carriers (APCs) around Mongton and Monghsat townships, where Wa units are stationed, opposite Chiangmai province, according to a young businessman engaging in cross border trade. He refused to reveal the commander’s identity fearing backlash.

At least 15 105-mm howitzers were already in Monghsat the year before. 40 more, of a smaller caliber, arrived in January. “They could be 76.2 mm (2 in),” said a Thai security official. “But the report didn’t give us the particulars.”

The maximum range of the “3 inchers,” as the 76 mm model is known to some, has 13.29 km (8.25 mile) maximum range.

The Burma Army has been reinforcing and replenishing its forces facing the UWSA and its ally National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) in Mongla since late last year. “An unconfirmed report says LIDs (Light infantry Divisions) 66 ( from Innma) and 88 (from Magwe) have arrived in Shan State,” said an NDAA officer.

The pressure on the UWSA and NDAA, compared to other ceasefire groups particularly the Shan State Army (SSA) North, has been on the upsurge. An SSA North officer, in response to SHAN inquiry, said, “Maybe the generals (of the Burma Army) believe if the UWSA gives in, others like us will follow suit.”