Gentle ways are not working when it comes to dealing with the ceasefire groups, according to Maj- Gen Kyaw Phyoe, Commander of Kengtung-based Triangle Region Command, who was on a two-day visit, January 6 to 7 , in Mongkhark and Mongyang, the two townships bordering the Wa and Mongla areas.

"Gentle ways will get us nowhere even if we pursue them for another 10 years," he was reported as saying during an address there. "We have to fell them like a tree in one violent stroke."

He was especially bitter about the United Wa State Army (UWSA). "It is the Wa, who have been the biggest impediment in our efforts to convince Mongla (to transform itself to the Burmese Army-controlled Border Guard Force)," he was quoted as saying. "Without the Wa, Mongla would have listened to us."

Another Wa ally, the Shan State Army (SSA) 'North', has also been stalling in compiling a list of 900 volunteers for a Burmese Army run militia force, pointed out a source.

The SSA North covers the Wa's west-east flank while Mongla-based National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) is covering its southeastern flank. The UWSA faces the Burmese Army in its north and southwestern borders.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Naypyitaw's chief negotiator, had called Bao Youxiang, the UWSA leader, on 6 January to make another appointment to which the latter readily agreed, according to a source close to the Wa leadership. "Bao however reminded him that he could only deal with him on the basis of the 9-point letter (delivered to Ye Myint on 14 November)," said the source, who added that the date and venue are yet to be fixed.

The letter said the UWSA accepted the BGF programme in principle but would allow junta officers only at the military area level and not at the battalion level.

Bao, during a televised speech to his people, said that the Wa should not be treated like a conquered people. "We have made peace only to resolve our political differences in a peaceful way," he was quoted as saying.

The Wa TV broadcasts twice a day: 07:00 and 18:00 hours.