Shan Ceasefire Groups Not Idle:

[shan@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

29 March 1999 

The one accusation that has been directed against the non-Burman armed
groups that has signed truce pacts with the Rangoon junta is that they are
only interested in filling up their pockets than helping the people. 

The SSNA, led by Col. Gunyord and the SSA North, led by Col. Loimao, have
flatly denied it. "Fundraising is important for the upkeeping of our
armies", said a leader, who requested anonymity. "But we have not forgotten
our duties to the people". 

According to the SSNA's annual report, the group built 9 new schools, 4
middle and 5 primary, in their area up in the North. 

The middle school at their headquarters in Khaisim, Hsipaw Township, was
constructed at a cost of Kyat 400,000, said the report. 

The group says they are also concerned with the people's health. They built
and donated two "hospitals" in Hsenwi township. They also distributed
39,750 viss of iodinized salt to the people. Moreover, they have sought and
been given agreement by the junta officials to be able to render more
assistance to the people both in health and education affairs, said the
report. 

The SSA North, with which the SSNA had formed the Shan State Peace
Committee, on 23 January 1996, is not ready to be outdone by its partner. A
statement issued on 16 February from its Hsengkeo Base in Hsipaw said it is
launching a summer Shan language teaching program in villages under program
in villages under their control in Hsipaw, Tangyan and Mongyai.

/// END \\\
Shan Herald Agency for News. 

Note:	The SSNA claims to have, under its supervision, 252 middle & primary
schools, with 564 teachers (male 120 and female 444) and 42,655 students
(male 12,839 + female 29,816). 20,733 children, age between 6-12, are still
in wait for more schools. And 109 schools lack walls and proper roofing. 

On the health front, the population suffered 745 deaths last year of
malaria (326) diarrhea (266), intestinal swelling (136) and AIDS (15).