Despite reports that the government and ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) will likely sign the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) in the first week of October fighting between EAO and government troops in Shan State is ongoing.
Ta’ang National Liberation Army Troops
According to the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) government troops engaged with RCSS troops seven times in southern Shan State, including the Koheim area, between August and 16 September
RCSS spokesperson Colonel Sai La said: "The Tatmadaw is operating in the area and its aim is to clear the region and they do not inform anyone when they are doing that. So, if there are misunderstandings both sides confront each other and fighting breaks out. Another thing is that it is best not to engage in fighting during this election. If they [the Burma Army] are going to carry out operations they should exchange information [with EAO groups in the area]."
Fighting also regularly broke out between government troops and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in Northern Shan State, including in the areas of Nangzang and Kyaukme, from June till 17 September, according to the TNLA's information department.
Mai Aik Kyaw, the TNLA information officer said: "In the area we control the government has increased its deployment of troops. Due to their regional clearance operation they often attack us, so we have to fight back. That is why the fighting is happening. We have already announced that we want to reduce the fighting, the government side should acknowledge this."
Government and TNLA troops have clashed 18 times since June till earlier this month and clashes are continuing in Northern Shan State.
Government troops also fought with Kachin Independence Army (KIA) troops in the areas of Sumpra Bum and Putao in Kachin State.
On 9 September top leaders from the EAOs met with president U Thein Sein and government representatives in Naypyitaw. At that meeting Thein Sein proposed that the government and EIOs sign the NCA on 29 September, but the EAO leaders said they could not meet to sign the NCA before the first week of October.
Representatives from the EAOs and the government will meet in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand on 24 September to discuss which date the NCA will be signed on.
Reporter Aik Sai
Edited in English by Mark Inkey for BNI
