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Kids and AKs__What is the UWSA up t



Subject: Kids and AKs__What is the UWSA up to?: 


4 December 1998 

The United Wa States Army that enjoys ceasefire agreement with the Rangoon
junta has been "acting quite strange", according to a SHAN source, the past
7-8 months transferring teenagers by the hundreds to their Southern Command
and ordering AK-47s with collapsible stocks. . 

The age of the boys range between 9-14. They are being sent down to the
Thai border opposite Chiangmai and Chiangrai provinces, where their
Southern Command Headquarters known as "361" at Samsao is. The number of
these boys is estimated between 400-500. They are supposed to have traveled
from the border with China to the south in order to learn Chinese (of all
languages). "They shall later continue their studies at Mae-Salong (Where
the ex-KMT 5th Army headquartered) and some among them will be chosen to go
Taiwan for higher studies, " a Wa official told a disbelieving enquirer. r 

Another report says the Was have been busy sending agents to look for
AK-47s automatic rifles with collapsible stocks, which are easier for young
kids to handle. Asked why they weren't ordering the required weaponry from
China where it would be more convenient for them to buy, they replied,
"It's cheaper here and also of better quality and more rust-proof, being
manufactured in Russia. 

Pao Yuchang was reported (and Commander-in-chief) President to have arrived
in the Southern Command during early November. He reached Tachilek by vans
on 3 November at the border town opposite Maesai, Chiangrai Province,
stayed there for two nights before continuing his way to Sarmsao.
"Everybody is wondering what he was doing there," said the source. 

Another strange scene is the absence or nearly absence of Wa troops in
Pangsang during the past few months. "And people are wondering, (where have
all the Was gone?)" quipped the source. 

S.H.A.N.