SUMMARY
MDA (Mongko Defence Army) was a paramilitary group active in the Mongko area of Kokang region in the Shan State of Myanmar (Burma), located in the immediate vicinity of the Chinese border. The group is presumed to originate in a splinter of MNDAA (Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army). One of the earliest cease-fire groups, MDA reached an agreement with the Government of Myanmar in 1995, maintaining control over parts of the Shan State.
The group was reportedly mainly financed through drug cultivation and trade, as Kokang is one of the lynchpins of the Golden Triangle, one of the main opium-growing areas worldwide. However, MDA was involved in various other activities, such as taxation of the population under its control. Reports even exist of MDA building a hotel and casino in 2000 targeting visitors from nearby China.
The leader of MDA at the time of its demise was Mong Sala, a charismatic leader reportedly wanted in China for his involvement in the opium and heroin trade.
The demise of the group began in late October 2000, when MDA splintered in two factions, one under the leadership of Mong Sala, the other led by Lin Min and Khong Lao-Su. The two factions quickly engaged in violence as a struggle for power ensued.- Reports exist that Mong Sala was captured for a brief period, escaping on 2 November 2000. Violence escalated further on 24 November 2000, when Mong Salas associates killed Lin Min during a meeting convened by the two factions.
The bout of violence taking place inside MDA determined the Myanmarese (Burmese) Army (SPDC) to take advantage and intervene with a goal of destroying MDA. By 25 November 2000, the army entered Mongko, firing heavily on positions known to be occupied by members of MDA. By the end of the day, the army was in control of Mongko, Mong Sala was under arrest, Khong Lao-Su fled, presumably to China and MDA was destroyed. Some members of MDA reportedly joined a UWSA (United Wa State Army) faction in the aftermath, while others relinquished their weapons to the government.
MDA has been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.
