Junta Poisoning its Rivals?

[shan@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

29 January 1999 

Sources from the Shan States say the junta might be eliminating its ethnic
rivals by poisoning them. 

The first victim to be identified was Brang Seng, leader of the Kachin
Independence Organization that made its peace with the regime. "He suddenly
became ill after one of his several meetings with the junta officials and
died later". His successor, Zau Mai, does not seem to be in good health
either, the source said. 

The second victim, who is now suffering from paralysis, was Chao Yilai then
President of the powerful Wa Army that signed its ceasefire agreement in
1989. "He was violently ill after his return from Rangoon and had to be
rushed off to a hospital in Yunnan", said the source. He was later replaced
by Pao Yuchang. 

The latest victims are Col. Kaifah, Vice President of the Shan State Army,
and Rev. Boonchoom of Mongphong Temple from Tachilek. 

Col. Kaifah, according to the report, dined with Brigadier General Kyaw
Win, Deputy Director of Khin Nyunt's think tank, Office of the Strategic
Studies, one day in late October at a restaurant operated by the military
intelligence. He became ill afterwards and was diagnosed by a physician
that he had food poison. "He looks several years older than he used to be",
said the source. "He head is also shaved". 

It was also reported that Rev. Boonchoom, the popular Shan abbot, who is
respected by both the Shans and the Thais, accepted a meal offered by Gen.
Khin Nyunt in early January. He is still in a hospital in Rangoon. His
concerned followers are urging him to return to Tachilek and accept
treatment from hospital with more sophisticated equipment. 

END
/// S.H.A.N.\\\