The United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the Burma Army yesterday reached a mutually happy decision after a 15-day stand-off over the latter’s seizure on 2 June of timber felled by the former in Mongton township, opposite Chiangmai’s Chiangdao district, according to sources.
The UWSA agreed to pay a hefty fine exacted by the forestry department. “They also agreed to purchase the timber that they had logged,” said a local source.
“The Burma Army, in return, agreed to free the 6 Chinese nationals detained at the logging site (in Mong Khid village tract, east of the township seat),” said a Shan villager close to the Wa army. No details however were given as to the amount paid by the UWSA.
In the meanwhile, a source close to the Wa said both sides have withdrawn their troops out of the disputed area. “Traffic and life have returned to normal,” he added.
On the other hand, more than 10 armored vehicles were seen leaving Tachilek on their way to Monghsat, the seat of the district which comprises Mongton, Monghsat and Mongpiang townships, last night. It is not known whether the move is related to the tensions between the two sides.
The UWSA, since 1993, has been calling for a statehood separate from Shan State, which has been one of the causes of tension.
One of the former resistance fighters however has dismissed predictions by some that the two sides may end up fighting again each other.
“The Burmese (army) may hate the Wa,” he told SHAN. “But the Wa are serving as its good proxy against the Shan (resistance). And, unlike the Shans, the Wa has the backing of China. So I don’t think the Burma Army may start a fight against the Wa yet.”
