Former SSA leader dies of hypertension

Former SSA leader dies of hypertension
by -
Kwarn Lake
A former leader of the Shan State Army – North yesterday died from high blood pressure in Ruili, Yunnna, reports Shan Herald reporter Hawkeye, better known as U Sein Kyi.
A former leader of the Shan State Army – North yesterday died from high blood pressure in Ruili, Yunnna, reports Shan Herald reporter Hawkeye, better known as U Sein Kyi.

Lieutenant-Colonel Hsarm Moon Tom (57) died on March 23, at 17:30 (China standard time) in his home in Nawng Seng village, Nawng Tao, Ruili.

A doctor diagnosed that his blood vessels in the brain were damaged by hypertension. His body will be cremated today.

Hsarm Moon Tom, a native of Kyaukme, joined the SSA-N in 1979 and had served the army as a high-ranking officer.

He resigned three years ago after he was demoted by SSA-N to a Major for his refusal to continue attending the Burmese military regime's National Convention, according to a source close to SSA-N.

He was a member of the delegation that represented SSA-N in attending the NC in 2005. He refused to continue attending the NC because constitutional proposals submitted by ceasefire groups were not taken for consideration by the regime.

Shan State Army – North is a ceasefire group currently led by Major-General Loimao. It reached a truce with the Burma Army in 1989. It is officially known as Shan State Special Region # 3 by the ruling military council.