Tom Fawthrop based on reports from (Shan Herald Agency News/Chindwin News)
Currently both the Military Council and the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA) are bolstering their military presence in Mongpawn, leading to heightened and intense clashes spread in southern Shan State Khit Thit Media has also reported that the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) joined the fighting in Mongpawn against the Junta's ally, PNO.
In a surprising turn of events, the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) has announced that it will join forces with the anti-junta resistance forces “to put an end to the autocracy, chauvinism, and expansionism perpetuated by the Burmese military regime.”
This decision marks a shift in SSPP's stance of neutrality over the past three years, following the brutal military coup on February 1, 2021. This report from Chindwin News Agency of the SSPP declaration dated January 30th, 2024 that it would fight with anti-junta resistance forces and against the junta.
Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) declares it will work with anti-junta resistance forces and will fight against the junta regime in Myanmar
30 January 2024
In a surprising turn of events, the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) has announced that it will join forces with the… pic.twitter.com/CdLo3P8THQ— Chindwin News Agency (@TheChindwin) January 30, 2024
https://twitter.com/TheChindwin/status/1752293139828900038
Given that locals have also reported that the Junta troops are mobilising tanks and armoured vehicles to reclaim Hsihseng, currently under the control of PNLA, the support of SSPP may be critical to PNLA ‘s capacity to resist the Junta’s looming offensive.
Intense clashes around Mongpawn, Hopong towns, and Htam Sam cave along the Taunggyi-Loilem Road in southern Shan State have resulted in closed roads and trapped residents amid the fighting. Local residents in Mongpawn reported that the Junta is reinforcing its troops in the town, and some military families have already fled in advance.
A motorist remarked that, owing to the ongoing skirmishes in Mongpawn, all roads and bridges surrounding the town were temporarily shut to traffic, accompanied by the resounding noise of artillery shelling.
"Traffic near Mongpawn Bridge is at a standstill due to road closures. Although roads on the Loilem side have reopened today, the Mongpawn side remains blocked. The sound of artillery shelling is echoing around Mongpawn, where shops are also closed," a local motorist reported.
Individuals who sought refuge in the town from nearby villages due to the clashes are also now trapped in Mongpawn. An anxious Mongpawn resident reported amidst the turmoi that, "Some people from nearby villages sought refuge in Mongpawn, staying with relatives and friends. Gunshots echoed throughout the day, raising fears of the conflict spreading to the town. Initially, the plan was to evacuate to Taunggyi if the situation worsened in Mongpawn, but with roads closed, both residents and villagers seeking shelter are now trapped. We're at a loss for where to go."
There is currently no effective aid for those displaced by the war, and the exact number of displaced individuals is still unknown. Mongpawn residents are concerned about the potential for clashes to spread to Taunggyi, even if they attempt to evacuate there.
The Military Council and its ally, the Pa-O National Organization (PNO), began fighting PNLA in Hsihseng town on January 20th, and the clashes have since intensified and expanded.
The anti- Junta support from the SSPP is a blow to the Junta’s use of the NCA to promote fake peace-talks, and also could put pressure on the RCSS the other major Shan EAO to end its NCA cooperation with the SAC, in order not to be further isolated from strong momentum for a revolutionary unity in Shan State.
