Locals confirmed that troops from the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), a Kokang ethnic armed group, have withdrawn from Namhkam Township in northern Shan State.

Following territorial disputes with its former ally, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the MNDAA reached a settlement last week and subsequently withdrew its troops from Namhkam Township, a TNLA-controlled area.

Leaders from both sides met in Laukkai Town in Shan State, an MNDAA stronghold, from March 17 to 20, where they reached a ceasefire agreement. On the morning of March 23, several hundred MNDAA troops stationed near Panghsay Village, east of Namhkam Town, withdrew to Kutkai Town in a military convoy of about 70 vehicles.

“At the border of Namhkam and Kutkai townships, there’s a checkpoint known as the 12-Mile gate, which the TNLA previously controlled. MNDAA troops crossed through it to enter Namhkam Township, but now they’ve withdrawn. The MNDAA forces that were in Namhkam left after the TNLA accepted MNDAA control over the whole of Kutkai Township,” a Namhkam resident told NMG.

As tensions rose between the two sides, the MNDAA removed TNLA flags in the 105-Mile Trade Zone near Muse, along the China border. The zone is jointly controlled by members of the Three Brotherhood Alliance—the TNLA, MNDAA, and Arakan Army (AA). As of March 24, TNLA flags have been raised again, but TNLA officials have yet to be allowed to take part in the administrative machinery, locals report.

“TNLA flags have been raised again at the 105-Mile area, but as far as we know, TNLA administrative officials haven’t returned to their offices yet. Previously, the office there was run jointly by three groups, but now only the MNDAA and the AA are present. There are reports that tax revenues will still be shared among all three groups as before,” a Muse resident said.

Namhkam residents, who had feared possible fighting, are now relieved by the MNDAA’s withdrawal.

During the Laukkai meeting, leaders from both sides agreed on five points, including troop deployments and mutual recognition of alliance. The MNDAA then began implementing the agreement by withdrawing from TNLA-controlled areas of Namhkam Township.

Although leaders settled the conflict between the former allies, MNDAA troops remain deployed in some locations, including Einaing Village on the Lashio–Namtu Road, and have yet to withdraw, locals said.