The leaders of the United Wa State Army (UWSA), following a heated morning session, have decided not to respond to Naypyitaw’s demand that Peng Jiasheng and three others be “returned” to junta authorities, said a reliable source.

The letter was received yesterday by Panghsang, where the UWSA is based. “It was written by the Burmese commander of Kokang,” said the source.

The Laogai Regional Operations Command is headed by Brig Gen Win Maung, according to an information booklet compiled by a group in exile.

“The leaders decided that whatever we would say to the Burmese generals, either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, would only serve to justify their actions against us,” he explained.

Wen Wei Po, a Hong Kong-based newspaper, reported yesterday that Peng Jiasheng, for whom junta authorities have issued an arrest warrant, is currently seeking refuge in the Wa region.

Others for whom Naypyitaw has issued warrants are Peng Jiafu (Peng’s younger brother), Peng Daxun and Peng Dali (both Peng’s sons).

Peng Daxun is leading the remaining Kokang troops loyal to him in a guerrilla resistance against the Burmese Army, according to a rebel source.