The Burmese military junta is ordering its own militia units in Shan State North’s Tangyan Township, 83 miles south of Lashio, to go for a new recruitment campaign, according to local sources.

Besides, it has also equipped with more weapons all the militia units in the areas bordering the Shan State Army (SSA) North’s controlled areas, said a local resident in Tangyan.

Tangyan is a town located west of the Wa headquarters Panghsang and some areas are under the control of its ally the SSA 1st Brigade.

The order was passed in mid May after ethnic ceasefire groups like the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the Shan State Army (SSA) ‘North’s First Brigade refused Naypyidaw’s demand to transform themselves into junta run militia forces.

On 5 July, Lt- Colonel Kyaw Kyaw Naing, Commander of Tangyan based Infantry Battalion (IB) #33, reportedly provided more weapons to Lahu militia units in Nalao and Loizay village tracts.

Most militia members from the two tracts are led by Xiao Terh. The strength of Lahu militias in Tangyan Township alone is said to be around 400.

According to a local source, weapons that were handed to the units were M22 and M16 automatic rifles.

Afterwards, the groups were ordered to recruit new members, at least 20 men from each village. The order has forced many villagers to leave the areas to evade recruitment.

“Most are Lisu and Palaung villagers,” he said. “Only ethnic Chinese are willing to join the militia units for the sake of their business like the drug trade.”

A border watcher said, “It is apparent that the junta is giving more space to the militias who are now playing a major role in the drug trade.”

A housewife in Namakham, who was quoted in Shan Drug Watch 2009-2010 report said, “Where there is a militia, the Burmese Army does not bother.”

The report said opium poppy is grown more in northern Shan State particularly in areas under the control of the Burmese Army and its militias than in areas under the ceasefire groups in the 2009-2010 season.