NEWS - Border Town Declared Under C

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Subject: NEWS - Border Town Declared Under Curfew

Shan Herald Agency for News - June 6, 1999

Border Town Declared Under Curfew

A border town in Thailand was declared under curfew by the Thai
authorities
after relations with Burma worsened,  reported a S.H.A.N source from the
border.

Curfew was imposed in the town of Piangluang, Wianghaeng District,
Chiangmai
Province, which lies next ot Mongton Township, Monghsat District in
Burma's
Shan State in mid-May, according to the source. The time for people to
stay
indoors was initially from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am, but towards the end of
the
month, it was increased to 7:00 pm - 5 am.

The authorities stated increasing cross border attacks believed to be
waged
by "and/or" encouraged by the State Peace and Development Council as
reasons
for tightening up their security measures. There had been increasing
troop
movements and patrols which included a number of tanks and armored
vehicles
since, said the source.

They were also warned to be prepared for evacuation from their homes on
short notice.

Altogether, nine persons who spoke neither Thai nor Shan had recently
been
arrested after seeing them prowling during curfew hours, reported the
source.

The New Strength Magazine, a publication by FIG, a Karenni group,
reported
in its May issue of a speech given by Maj. Gen Maung Bo, Commander of
the
Eastern Command in Taunggyi on 7 February which is celebrated annually
as
the Shan State Day. He told his audience that Burma "might someday have
to
wage a war against its neighboring country, Thailand, and so all young
people in town are obliged to join the army while other civilians must
help
support it". FIG also reported that under his order, "all civil servants
including school teachers have to take turns participating in the basic
military training at the parade ground of the Eastern Command
headquarters
in Taunggyi since March".