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S.H.A.N : BURMESE TROOPS STEP UP 4-



Subject: S.H.A.N : BURMESE TROOPS STEP UP 4-CUTS POLICY 

S.H.A.N : BURMESE TROOPS STEP 4-CUTS POLICY
31 March, 1996

Since early March 1996, SLORC troops have been tightening the long imposed
four-cuts policy over the people of middle and northern Shan State. The most
affected are areas of Khum Pang, Kong Lurn, Murng Nang, Nong Som and Ke See (
the territories of the 7th Brigade SSA ceasefire group led by Zao Pang Fah ).
They force the people to move and gather in one place within three days and they
shoot at those who disobey their orders and burn houses. Two elders were burned
to death in their houses at Murng Nang while trying to take out their ancient
copper statues of Lord Buddha.

In Lai Kha township, the areas of Kang Oon, Hai Gong, Wan Look and Nong Som (
territories of SSNA led by Zao Sai Yi ) are suffering the same fate. Those who
do not want to gather in one place have to flee in different places.

The Palaung village of Nam Mo, near Hai Seng, which had more than 300
households, is now deserted because the Burmese troops had driven many villages
in the area to gather at Wan Thiza Lai Khum in Lai Kha township. Rice and paddy
are to be carried away in three days. After that any rice and paddy left behind
were burnt immediately.

In early March, SLORC had ordered the SSA ceasefire group to move all their
force and concentrate at Om Mu ( Headquarters of 3rd Brigade ) at Nam Lao
village ( they must dismantle the 1st Brigade base of Zao Pang Fah and move to
Nam Lao - south east of Murng Kao at Seng Kew - GHQs of SSA.

The movement must be completed before 27-28 April 1996. The SSNA of Karn Yord
also received a similar order from the SLORC.

The reasons for tightening the four-cuts policy and concentrating SSA-SSNA's
strength are to prevent the ex-MTA non-surrender armed group ( led by Maj. Yord
Serk and Maj. Khur Ngern ) from getting help from the people and to prevent
SSA-SSNA from helping and receiving them.

If all this is true, SSA and SSNA are already in a hard-pressed condition and
will have to face many difficulties even to survive, let alone to protect the
people from the four-cuts policy or to receive the MTA non-surrender group.

The ceasefire should have been made with the intention of working towards a
peaceful settlement. But SLORC troops are deliberately creating a crisis and
chaos in these areas. How can the ceasefire groups just stand by and look on?.
*****