SNLD demands UEC U-turn

The SNLD’s candidates have started a petition to resume the election in Mong Hsu.

On October 27, the Union Election Commission said the votes in Mong Hsu and Kyethi townships would be cancelled, which was immediately condemned by the SNLD.

“The SNLD has a long history and it is a rare democratic party in Shan State. At present, the acts of some ethnic parties and their allies have caused an estrangement between the SNLD and National League for Democracy. It is a tragedy that those parties do not oppose the Union Solidarity and Development Party,” said Sai Leik, joint secretary of the SNLD.

The spokesperson added that the links between the USDP and the ethnic parties were easily proved with a little investigation.

About 60 skirmishes have been reported since October 6 and around 6,000 villagers near Mong Hsu were escaping the fighting.

Fighting has intensified near Wanhai, headquarters of the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP).

Conflict had intensified since the Union Election Commission announced on October 27 that it would not hold an election in Wanhai. Fighting had escalated in southern areas of Mongact village in Mong Hsu, said Colonel Sai La from the SSPP.

Witnesses said fighting had spread to Mongnawng and the forests around Wanhai.

Sai Tun Aye, a candidate for the Kyar Phyu Party, said: “The army shelled Wanhai last night. The village shops have closed. Some people are still there, sheltering in their homes. Donors across the Shan State came to refugee camps opened at Wansault and Hipar monasteries in Mong Hsu. The road leading to Wanhai is 16 miles away and it is safe at the moment. The number of refugees has increased. We will go to refugee camps to distribute aid donated from overseas.”

Refugees were struggling to cope with the rain and sleeping in makeshift beds under raincoats, said Par Khan Aung from the Wansault refugee camp.