Myanmar army wear RCSS/SSA uniforms and extorting money from villagers

Shan Task Force 701 commander has issued warnings against the Burmese army since the latter continuously disguised by wearing Shan State Army (SSA) uniforms in order to commit atrocities against the people in the villages in Namkham Township on Sino-Burma border, SHAN news reported.

The Burma army units under the control of Operations Command #16 based in Hsenwi were confirmed to have been using the SSA uniforms and are free to roam in villages disguising as Shan soldiers forcing locals to give them money. If people refused to give in to their demands they are beaten by the army.

According to Lt-Col Zawm Mong, commander of Task Force 701, he informed all SHAN soldiers not to wear their SSA uniforms and to avoid roaming. Only units that are on duty at the command center are required to use the SSA uniforms. If anyone is found with SSA uniform on, he ordered them to be shot even without a warning.

Meanwhile, the Burmese authorities admitted that the attack on May 9 was carried out by the Burmese army. Their reason for doing so is due to the SSA Task Force base 701 has been running illegal drug business.

However, Lt-Col Zawm Mong denied everything saying that the Task Force 701 is not into unlawful drug business and such claim of the Burmese authorities are baseless and unfounded.

He further added that the base was created for 2 purposes such as: First to provide medical treatment for drug addicts and rehabilitation; and secondly it is a centre for implementation of drug free zone.

Since rehabilitation center for drug addicts are not offered by the government and people has no means to go to China for treatment, they have intended to offer this services to the people living in Mao valley region.

The hospital and drug rehabilitation center which is supported by the locals is supposed to open on May 12. Unfortunately the Burmese army with over 400-strong attacked the center. Peace will only be achieved if the Burma Army withdraws from the areas, Lt-Col Zawm Mong said.

On 30 May, the TNLA field commander revealed that a 300-strong Burma Army force attacked the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) base between Mong Wi and Namkham on the Sino-Burmese border. Some of the soldiers in the Burma Army units were wearing RCSS/SSA uniforms, the report said. Original source: http://www.betweenonline.com/2013/05/31/myanmar-army-wear-rcssssa-uniforms-and-extorting-money-from-villagers/