The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA) is actively engaged in efforts to establish forest reserve areas with the goal of preventing deforestation, preserving rare animal species, and safeguarding water resources.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Mai Aik Kyaw, the information officer of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA), their efforts to establish forest reserve areas are not driven by a desire to gain territory or engage in conflicts with regional organizations. Instead, their primary goal is to address the problems and challenges related to water shortage that local communities may face.
Lieutenant Colonel Mai Aik Kyaw said, "Our intention is not to acquire territory, but rather to support the villagers and local residents in overcoming future challenges. Our maintenance efforts are solely dedicated to their well-being and not for any other reason."
The PSLF/TNLA has stated that they have been engaging with and educating local communities since 2000 to identify suitable forest reserve areas. Their dedicated efforts in this regard resulted in the successful implementation of the project in 2022.
"We understand that the village nearest to the forest reserve has a valid claim to the land. After discussing our intentions and gaining their agreement, we will officially designate it as a forest reserve. We have been actively working on this since 2020-21, placing signboards with rules in the designated areas last year," said Lieutenant Colonel Mai Aik Kyaw.
According to the PSLF/TNLA, in recent days, the signboards designating the forest reserve areas in Momeik (Mongmit) and Mantong townships have been destroyed by the forces of the Kachin Independence Army (KIO/KIA). The PSLF/TNLA reported this incident based on statements provided by local residents.
During a meeting held on May 16 and 17, the PSLF/TNLA and KIO/KIA agreed to resolve the issue of the destroyed signboards by discussing and working through their respective regional liaison offices, according to Colonel Naw Bu, the information officer of KIO/KIA.
The KIO/KIA has stated that the meeting took place over a span of two days in Mai Ja Yang town, which is under the control of KIO/KIA. The discussion involved the committee formed by PSLF/TNLA and the meeting and discussion group representing KIO/KIA.
Colonel Naw Bu said, "We have reached an agreement to address and resolve these issues through discussions and negotiations with our liaison officers, with the aim of preventing such problems from occurring."
Lieutenant Colonel Mai Aik Kyaw said that the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA) is currently in the process of establishing forest reserve areas in several townships in northern Shan State. These townships include Mantong, Namsan, Kyaukme, Momeik (Mongmit), and Namtu.
The PSLF/TNLA has emphasized that their efforts to establish forest reserve areas are not aimed at provoking conflicts among the ethnic groups in the region. Rather, their primary objectives are to combat deforestation, safeguard rare animal species, and protect vital water resources.
