Leaders of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA)—once allies but now locked in fierce disputes—met in Laukkai, Shan State. During the meeting, the MNDAA called for the withdrawal of several TNLA camps near Lashio, the largest city in northern Shan State.
During the Laukkai meeting on the morning of March 17, the MNDAA demanded the withdrawal of TNLA camps in Einaing Village near Lashio, a source close to the matter said.
“The MNDAA has demanded the dismantling of TNLA camps in Einaing Village, located along the road connecting Lashio to Namtu Town. However, the TNLA has neither withdrawn the camps nor halted reinforcements, sending additional troops instead. These developments follow a recent meeting between the Kokang armed group (MNDAA) and the junta in Lashio,” he told Shan Herald.
TNLA spokeswoman Lway Yay Oo told Shwe Phee Myay news agency on the morning of March 17 that TNLA leaders had traveled to Laukkai, an MNDAA stronghold, to address recent disputes and conflicts between the two groups.
Earlier, on March 16, during the MNDAA offensive against the TNLA, talks were held between the junta and MNDAA representatives at the Two Elephants Hotel in Lashio, according to local sources.
“Yesterday, the Two Elephants Hotel was bustling with police cars, military vehicles, and cars carrying Kokang representatives. The MNDAA team arrived in a convoy of more than 10 vehicles,” a 40-year-old Lashio resident said.
Currently, the MNDAA has taken full control of Kutkai Town in northern Shan State, which was previously under shared control with the TNLA. The Kokang ethnic group has also reopened the Union Highway connecting junta-held Lashio and Muse on the Chinese border.
During the two-day battle for Kutkai Town, the TNLA suffered 18 troop injuries, while the MNDAA captured around 100 TNLA fighters alive. On March 16, the MNDAA conducted drone strikes near Namhkam, a TNLA-controlled town, while many of its troops also advanced along the Namhpatkar–Namhkam route, likely preparing for a ground offensive, locals reported.
On the night of February 17, a large contingent of MNDAA forces detained around 50 TNLA troops stationed in Mongpar Village, Theinni (Hsenwi) Township, northern Shan State. They loaded the captured troops onto trucks and forcibly transported them to Einaing Village.
