A source close to Peng Jiasheng has categorically denied he and his troops were responsible for the bombings in Laogai, the capital of Kokang in Shan State North, early in the week.
The source, who goes by his initials QSH said, “For one thing, it is the Chinese New Year, a time of good will amongst us. For another, if we want to put the bombs, we could have done so with the Myanmar Army, not for innocent people.”

The blast on 15 February reportedly killed one and injured 11. The second and third blasts, on 17 February, took place near the World Food Programme (WFP) office.

“I’m sure sooner or later the junta will request all UN and NGOs to leave Kokang, as it is no longer safe. Then they can do whatever they want to without international witnesses.”

Among the international organizations with offices in Laogai are:
World Food Program (WFP)
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
World Vision
Care Myanmar
Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA)
Alliance for Reform and Democracy in Asia (ARDA)
Asian Harm Reduction Network (AHRN)
Heath Unlimited from China

The Burmese Army launched a three-day offensive on Peng Jiasheng and his Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), from August 25 to 27. As a result, more than 37,000 people took refuge in neighbouring Yunnan province of China. Burma’s rulers then appointed Peng’s erstwhile deputy-turned-rival, Bai Xuoqian as his successor.

Kokang, since 4 December, has a Border Guard Force (BGF) Battalion # 1006, supervised by the Burmese Army. Peng Jiasheng had refused to accept the BGF status until Kokang’s autonomy demands were met.