Shan Herald Agency for News

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Shan commander warns retaliation Posted: 31 May 2013 03:46 AM PDT Friday, 31 May 2013 15:57 KP Shan Task Force 701 commander has warned Burma Army of retaliation if its troops continue to disguise by wearing Shan State Army (SSA) uniforms to commit crimes against humanity in the villages in Namkham Township on Sino-Burma border, according to news sources. In recent weeks, units of Burma Army under the control of Military Operations Command #16 based in Hsenwi, reportedly wearing SSA uniforms in disguise and roaming in the villages saying they are Shan soldiers and extorting money from villagers. They would also interrogate people, in case villagers resist giving money, they would be beaten, news sources said. Lt-Col Zawm Mong, commander of Task Force 701 (Photo: RCSS/SSA) In response to the situation: "We have informed our soldiers not to wear SSA uniforms and roam about except the unit on duty at the command center. We have also ordered to shoot without warning if anyone is found wearing SSA uniform," said Lt-Col Zawm Mong, commander of Task Force 701. At the same time, Burmese authorities also alleged that the Burma Army has dutifully carried out the attack on 9 May is due to the SSA Task Force base 701 has been running illicit drug business. Lt-Col Zawm Mong categorically denied the allegation by saying it is baseless and faulty. "The Task Force 701 is neither our stronghold nor a center for running drug business as Burmese authorities claim. Their claim is baseless and absolutely faulty. This base serves for 2 purposes: 1) to provide medical treatment for drug addicts and rehabilitation; and 2) a center for implementation of drug free zone," the Shan commander told SHAN. "As the government does not provide such a rehabilitation center for the drug addicts and they cannot afford to go to China for treatment, so we have started the project for the people who live in the Mao valley region." "With strong support from the locals, we had scheduled to open the hospital and drug rehabilitation center on 12 May. All of a sudden, our plans had gone for good as the Burma Army with over 400-strong attacked on our center," the Shan commander recalled. On the other hand, the President Thein Sein is making peace with armed group movements, while Burma Army is attempting to create a disaster scenario to the country. Once and for all, if the Burma Army withdraw from the areas, peace will come automatically, Lt-Col Zawm Mong is quoted as saying. On 30 May, Phophtaw News (Shwehintha) reported in Burmese that a 300-strong Burma Army force attacked the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) base between Mong Wi and Namkham on the Sino-Burmese border. Some of the soldiers in the Burma Army units were wearing RCSS/SSA uniforms, said the TNLA field commander.