SATURDAY, 03 OCTOBER 2009 12:42 S.H.A.N.
As the October deadline for the ceasefire groups to respond positively to the ruling military council’s demand to transform themselves into Burma Army-run Border Guard Forces (BGFs) draws near, Burmese military officers are increasingly waging a psychological warfare designed to put out the fight in the ceasefire groups, according to reports coming to the border.
While ceasefire groups are being informed of the United Wa State Army (UWSA)’s “acceptance” of the BGF program, the UWSA itself is being fed with news of “impending surrender” by the non-ceasefire Shan State Army (SSA) “South” led by Col Yawdserk.On 29 September, Ta Zong, Commander of the Mongjawd-based 772nd Brigade, opposite Chiangmai’s Chiangdao district, was informed by the visiting unidentified operational commander of Mongton that the SSA had agreed to “exchange arms for peace,” a junta euphemism for surrender.
“You have nothing to worry about an attack by the Burma Army,” he was quoted as saying, “as we are busy making arrangements for Yawdserk’s surrender.”
The news was greeted with dismay among the Wa officers, said a source close to the Wa.
The SSA, through civilian couriers, had recently called for the talks, according to a local police source. Loi Taileng, the SSA main base, opposite Maehongson, had rejected the report.
It was Col Yawdserk himself who disclosed earlier that he had been approached by Naypyitaw via Thailand for a meeting, a move seen by veteran Burma watchers as a ploy to discourage the embattled Wa from joining it.
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