The Commander of the Middle East Command based in Kholan in Namhsam Township in Loilem District in southern Shan State has ordered their militia groups to reinforce their troop strength.

The Commander met leaders of the Kali-based people’s militia from Kunhein Township, Matkyaing-based militia from Namhsam Township, Narraing militia and Homein-based militia, at the meeting hall of the Namhsam Station.

A member of the people’s militia group from Namhsam said: “My leader said the army called on the militia groups to get rid of the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) which is active in Kengtung.”

Major Kham Sai, the spokesperson of the RCSS said: “There is no report of military operation in Kengtung,” but there have been several minor clashes with the army reported in recent weeks. 

The RCCS has condemned the coup but has used its EAO in support of CDM protests like the Karen KNLA and Kachin’s KIA.   

A town-elder from Namhsam said: “The people urge the militias not to send the troops and support the army’s demand for more members of the people’s militia aims to make crackdowns on protestors and to attack ethnic armed groups.”

An official from a militia who declined to be named said: “The commander demanded three main points. The first is that the army will provide aid for regional development. The second is the militia groups will arrest and return CDM staff and demonstrators who seek the refuge. The third is the militia groups are to increase the number of troops.”

Although the commander demanded an extra 100 members to be recruited for each militia group leader and said they could only deliver an extra 30.