Though reinforcements by the Wa and Burmese Army along the front continue, the atmosphere of urgency has perceptibly lightened, and things are returning to “almost normal,” according to a report by an informed source on the Sino-Burma border.

“The tone from Naypyitaw is soft and relaxing rather than being imperative, which had been the case until 28 April (the last day of the latest deadline given to the ceasefire groups to agree to the Border Guard Force programme),” the source who prefers to remain anonymous wrote.

Public places in the Wa capital are busy as usual and even busier at nighttime, according to him. Hotels keep receiving clients and restaurants, including those owned by ethnic Burmans, are busier.

Traffic between Panghsang and the Burmese Army controlled town of Tangyan, 115 miles west of Panghsang, have also become busier. “Inflow of vehicles is even causing traffic jams in the town’s busy areas,” he said.

While new arrivals especially Burmans, undergo intense scrutiny by the Wa authorities, he also saw many Burmans working in automobile workshops and construction projects. “In fact, Burman people, who have stayed in Panghsang for several years and running small businesses like street vending or small restaurants are well treated by the Wa authorities,” he said.

The situation in Mongla, the capital of the Wa’s southern ally, National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), is also reportedly normal.

A separate report coming from the Thai-Burma border, where the United Wa State Army’s 171st Military Region is active, also appears to support his story. “The Wa villagers who were conspicuously absent from the local markets since 28 April are coming back,” said a shopkeeper in Pongpakhem, 10 miles north of the Chiangmai border.

However, the relaxed atmosphere does not seem to be pervading areas near the frontlines like Klawng Pa, Na Wi and Man Ton. International aid agencies, including the Global Fund, staffed mainly by Chinese, are facing limitations of access in those localities, the source said.

The UWSA and NDAA, together with the bulk of the Shan State Army (SSA) North and Kachin Independence Army (KIA), have remained defiant about the BGF programme until their autonomy calls are answered by Naypyitaw.

No reason for the easing of tensions was given but, according to another report, the SSA North’s First Brigade was reportedly requested by junta authorities in Kehsi Township on 15 May to maintain the uneasy truce “until the elections are over.”