Ousted Kokang leader denies Laogai bombings

Peng Jiasheng

A source close to Peng Jiasheng has categorically denied he and his troops were responsible for the bombings which took place in Laogai, the capital of Kokang in Shan State North, early in the week.

The source who goes by his initials QSH said, “For one thing, it is the Chinese New Year, a time of good will amongst us. For another, if we want to put the bombs, we could have done so with the Myanmar army, not to innocent people.”

The blast on Monday, 15 February, reportedly killed 1 and injured 11. The second and third blasts yesterday, 17 February, took place near the World Food Programme (WFP) office.

“I’m sure sooner later the junta will request all UN and NGOs to leave Kokang, as it is no longer safe. Then they can do whatever they want to without international witnesses.”

Among the international organizations with offices in Laogai are:

  • World Food Program (WFP)
  • Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
  • World Vision
  • Care Myanmar
  • Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA)
  • Alliance for Reform and Democracy in Asia (ARDA)
  • Asian Harm Reduction Network (AHRN)
  • Health Unlimited from China

The Burma Army launched a 3-day offensive on Peng Jiasheng and his Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), 25-27 August. As a result, more than 37, 000 people took refuge in the neighboring Yunnan province of China. Burma’s rulers then appointed Peng’s erstwhile deputy-turned-rival Bai Xuoqian as his successor.

Kokang, since 4 December, has a Border Guard Force (BGF) Battalion # 1006, supervised by the Burma Army. Peng Jiasheng had refused to accept the BGF status until Kokang’s autonomy demands were met.

Source :http://shanland.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2929:ousted-kokang-leader-denies-laogai-bombings&catid=86:war&Itemid=284

Comments