The leader of the Shan State Army (SSA) ‘North’ Maj-Gen Hso Ten (74), who was sentenced to 106 years in prison in 2005, was said to have been transferred from Khamti, Sagaing Division to Mandalay division last weekend, according to family members.

No reason for the shift was given by the Burmese Army, according to his daughter Nang Kham Pao.

“We are yet to see him, so we don’t know why the authorities transferred him. But we think it must be because of his health condition, at least we hope that is the case. It would be very good if he could be allowed to access medical treatment,” she said.

Some are wondering whether the transfer could be related to the SSA ‘North’s decision to become a junta-run militia unit. Earlier this year, the SSA ‘North’ was reportedly told by Chief of Military Affairs Security Ye Myint that if the group agreed to become a militia force, its senior leader Maj Gen Hso Ten would be released.

However unconfirmed reports say Sao Hso Ten will be moved to Sittwe in Rakhaing State, and will not be kept in Mandalay.

“We will be very sad if he is moved to a far-flung area. We are very happy that he is now in Mandalay. We also pray that this transfer is for his medical treatment,” the daughter told SHAN.

The family is expected to see him for the first time this Saturday.

Maj-Gen Hso Ten is reported to have been suffering from high blood pressure and an eye problem since 2008, three years after his arrest.  He was also reported to have broken his arm when he slipped and fell in the bathroom recently. To date he has received no treatment for his health issues.

He was sentenced by Naypyitaw on 3 November 2005 along with eight other Shan politicians for defamation of the state, association with illegal parties and conspiracy against the state. But they were separately imprisoned and given the following sentences.

* Maj-Gen Hso Ten                               106 years                     Khamti prison
* Khun Tun Oo (Hkun Htun Oo)               93 years                      Putao prison
* Sai Nyunt Lwin,                                   85 years                      Kalay, Sagaing division.
* Sai Hla Aung                                      79 years                       Kyaukphyu prison
* U Myint Than                                      79 years                      Sandoway prison (died on 2 May 2006)
* U Tun Nyo                                          79 years                       Buthidaung prison
* U Nyi Nyi Moe                                     79 years                       Pakokku prison
* Sai Myo Win Tun                                 79 years                      Myingyan prison
* Sao Tha Oo                                         12 years                      Released

Khun Tun Oo’s brother, Sao Oo Kya, was also sentenced to 13 years in prison, but was released on 18 August 2009 together with over 7000 other prisoners.

The said leaders have also been suffering poor health problems, but were refused medical treatment.