Even as the deadline for compliance draws near the United Wa State Army (UWSA) is ready with its second round of response to the junta’s demand to transform itself into a Burmese Army controlled border security force, said sources from the Sino-Burma border.
The junta’s Chief of Military Affairs Security (MAS) Lt-Gen Ye Myint has asked the UWSA for another round of talks in Panghsang tomorrow, after the Wa rejected its proposal.
The deadline for the Wa to respond to the demand is by the end of June.
On May 26 and 27, following a summit meeting among Kokang, Wa and Mongla - Panghsang had another meeting, an officer who attended told SHAN. The meeting was held at its main base and it was attended by officials from several ranks.
“An agreement among the topics discussed was the decision to confirm its rejection to the junta’s proposal,” he said. “As for the question whether to transform itself into a border security force, it would be considered after the 2010 elections,” he added.
The topics discussed at the meeting were:
- How to answer the junta’s demand to present its full inventory of strength, weapons, units and the list of those who are going to retire
- To prepare its supplies and to have clear-cut principles regarding the current situation
- To object to the junta’s designation of training centres for border security forces prior to any agreement between the two sides
The Burmese Army has reportedly named Kengtung, the capital of Shan State East, Tangyang, a town 83-miles south of Lashio, Shan State North and Bahtu, Shan State South as training centres.
In Mon State, there are two training centres in Thanbyuzayat Township, according to an Independent Mon News Agency (IMNA) report on May 28.
But there was a rumour that trainees who don’t clear medical checkup will not be allowed to attend the training and trainees over 50 will not be considered, the source said.
About 75 per cent of the Wa leadership had voted to reject the junta’s demand, he added.
