His funeral took place yesterday in Mandalay.

A member of the Yawng Bre principality in the former Wa States, he became a leader of one of the paramilitary forces called Ka-Kwe-Ye (Defense) formed by the Burma Army in 1964 in response to the growing threat of the Communist Party of Burma (CPB) then backed by China.

In 1973, Rangoon decided to disband the Ka-Kwe-Ye, and his was one of the groups that became armed resistance movements against Gen Ne Win’s one-party regime.

In 1984, he formed the Wa National Council (WNC) with his brother-in-law Maha Hsang of Wiang Ngeun (Ving Ngun).

In 1989, following the overthrow of the CPB in the Wa capital Panghsang on the Chinese border, his WNC joined forces with the mutineers to form the United Wa State Party/United Wat State Army (UWSP/UWSA). His group later formed the core of the UWSA’s 171st Military Region that operates along the Thai-Burmese border.

Ai Xuexi (U Aik say to the Burmese), also spelled Ai Hsiao Hsu, Ai Kyaw Hso and in other ways, was married to Li Yishing. His stepdaughter Banyen used to serve as village head of Santisuk near Mae Salong in Chiangrai province.

He is survived by his wife, 1 son and 3 stepchildren. He had married his wife after she was widowed by the death of Sao Maha Khawng, traditional ruler of Wiang Ngeun, and elder brother of Maha Hsang (died 2007) and Maha Ja, at present leader of the Homong-based People’s Militia Froce.

Other important Wa leaders that have passed away since 1989 include: Zhao Yilai, Li Ziru and Zau Mai from the UWSA and Ta Maha Hsang and Ta Teuk Mong from the WNA.