The Burmese Army will use heavy weaponry and jet fighters if it takes on the Wa and Mongla groups, a high ranking officer from Naypyidaw has let on. The army officer said this at a meeting with village headmen, and government employees in Mueng Yang town, a Kengton source said.

Col. Kyaw Kyaw of the Ministry of Finance and Revenue and Col. Nay Lin, a strategic commander of Mueng Hkat held a meeting with government employees from all departments and headmen in Mueng Yang town.

"Col. Kyaw Kyaw, who came from Naypyidaw, was a commander of Infantry Battalion (IB) 269 in Mueng Yang five or six years ago. Therefore, he was sent to mobilize people in Mueng Yang," a local said on condition of anonymity.

At a meeting, Col. Kyaw Kyaw said a war between the Burmese Army and Mongla and Wa ceasefire groups was not going to take place. Therefore, he said that locals and government servants should come back to their homes and live peacefully.

"Employees, who have gone into hiding following rumours, must comeback quickly. If they cannot come to work on time, they will be dismissed from their posts. Action will be taken and punishment meted out. Currently the army doesn't want to fight the Wa and Mongla. If the army does fight them, many battalions will be seen in the town. Jet fighters and heavy weaponry will be used. But I am sure that there won't be any battle in this area because there's no preparation," a local employee quoted the officer as saying.

The military junta occupied the Kokang area following clashes last month. As a result, locals fled to other areas in fear.

"Businessmen and local Chinese people are scared of living in Mongla and Wa areas since the clashes in Kokang. In the past, car expenses increased from 60,000 to 120,000 Kyat in Pang Sang-Tang Yan Road. It increased to 150,000 Kyat last month. Chinese people have already gone back to China. Casinos are closed and restaurants shut at 8 pm," a trader from Pang Sang said.

The Naypyidaw officer told locals in Mueng Yang that there would be no battle in this area. At the same time, Wa authorities also announced that if clashes occur it will take three-six months to reach Pang Sang. Some locals have therefore come back to the area.