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The Four-Nines: (r)



9.9.99 

Junta Panic Strikes Border Town

The military junta has tightened up its security in Tachilek, Shan State, a
buzzling border town across from Thailand, said a source from Tachilek. 

The source, who lives in Makahokham Quarter, Tachilek, told S.H.A.N. the local
State Peace and Development Council had been beefing up security since Sunday,
5 September. Two infantry battalions, 331 and 526, were brought in to guard and
patrol the main streets. 

"You can look from across the river Maesai and you'll see soldiers standing
along the bank like fences", he said. 

Apart from the regular units, members of the local Union Solidarity and
Development Association, a pseudo political party established by the military,
were seen patrolling the side streets, interrogating people gathering more than
3-5 persons and telling them to disperse. 

Tea shops frequented by people are also ordered closed throughout the day, he
said. 

According to the source, the same procedure is being carried out in Mongpyak,
Kengtung, Taunggyi and the rest of the country. "In Kengtung and Taunggyi, we
heard a curfew, from 20:00 - 10:00, has been imposed", he added. 

The Shan States Army, commanded by Yawdserk, was reported to be preparing for
surprise raids and shoot-outs in urban areas. The SSA, meanwhile, neither
confirmed nor rejected the reports. 

/// END \\\ 
For further information, please contact S.H.A.N. at: 
Shan Herald Agency for News, P.O. Box. 15, Nonghoi P.O., 50007, Chiangmai,
Thailand.  
Ph/Fax: (053) 807 121. 
e-mail: <shan@xxxxxxxxxxxx> 


S.H.A.N. is a non-profit making, independent Shan media group. It is not
affiliated to any political or armed organizations.