Burma Army columns are more closely monitoring of Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) movement in eastern Shan State, locals said.

Operating under Military Operations Command 17, Tatmadaw troops based in Mong Hsat performed close inspections of travelers, private vehicles and buses traveling on the Mongton-Pongpakyin Road throughout late August.

An RCSS/SSA officer told SHAN that government military columns are still carrying out extra surveillance Mongton Township but “not tightly,” adding that they followed up after the RCSS/SSA held a meeting with village headmen and discussed an anti-narcotics campaign.

A Burma Army officer serving in Mongton said that the operation is occurring under military orders and that the public has been notified.

“I don’t understand. RCSS signed the NCA,” said local man Sai Ja Aye, referring to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement with the government and military. The RCSS/SSA is one of ten signatories to the accord.

Members of the RCSS/SSA have told SHAN that the NCA did not outline a demarcation agreement regarding the armed group’s territory, yet the Tatmadaw has accused the group of crossing into territory outside their control. Clashes between their troops have ensued as a result.