The mother of three speaks to SHAN about her two months in the armed group’s custody,

After nearly two months in detention and being handed a three-year sentence, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) released 36-year-old Shan mother-of-three Nang Mo Hom on Wednesday following successful negotiations on her behalf. These were held between the TNLA and the alliance of which it is a member, the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee, at the request of the Shan State Progess Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA). Her reunion with her family took place at SSPP headquarters in Wan Hai, and was attended by more than 200 people.

After her release, she granted an interview to SHAN.

Why did the TNLA arrest you?

They said I am guilty.

Guilty of what?

They collected tax from my house. Soldiers from [the Burma Army’s] LID [Light Infantry Division] 88 ambushed [the TNLA’s] two soldiers. Their soldier was shot dead. They said I reported them to LID 88. That’s why they arrested me.

What did they say when they arrested you?

They entered my house and took me with them. They said, ‘you must talk with our leader.’

Did they say that they were arresting you?

No, they didn’t. They said they would pick me up to talk with their leader.

Did they question you after you were picked up?

Yes, they asked me questions. They asked me, “do you report to government forces?” I replied to them, “no.”

So this means that they were incorrect.

I didn’t report to government forces.

Did they beat you when you were held in TNLA custody?

No, they didn’t beat me. They gave me food. They also gave me clothing. They tried to give me as much as they could find in that situation, because it’s in the jungle.

Where did they detain you?

They detained me in the narcotics prison. There were no women in the detention camp for political prisoners. They detained me in the narcotics prison, where there were about 10 women. They said I needed female friends. The narcotics prison was like house arrest.

Did they take care for your health?

Well, it’s in the jungle. So it was difficult to get things like paracetamol tablets. I just believed in myself. I didn’t make any mistakes. I believed that I would go back home one day. I took care of myself. I ate food even though I didn’t want to eat. I believed that I would be able to go home one day.

How did you feel after your release?

I felt very happy. I thought that I must have given them all the correct answers. On the other hand, there was a lot of impact from many organizations trying as hard they could for my release. I especially want to thank the northern military alliance [of ethnic armed groups] and the SSPP/SSA for their efforts.

Namkham locals demonstrated in Namkham town for your release. Did you hear about it? Did they tell you about it?

I didn’t know about it. They didn’t allow me to contact anybody. I heard there was a demonstration in Namkham because they were talking about it amongst themselves, but I didn’t know much about it. I just learned about it once I was out of prison.

What would you like to say, regarding these efforts?

I knew about it after my aunt told me about the demonstration and all the assistance for my release. For that assistance, I, Nang Mo Hom thank monks, all civil society organizations, all leaders, and all Namkham Shan locals. I am really thankful to them. I was released because of their efforts. I also thank the SSPP/SSA, which picked me up at the prison. I could not sleep because I was so happy.