The Restoration Council/Shan State Army(RCSS/SSA) sent an official letter to the Myanmar government asking them for clear demarcations of military controlled areas in the region after repeated clashes since a ceasefire was inked in December 2, 2011.
According to Spokesperson Major Hseng Mong when the RCSS/SSA met with U Aung Min from the Union Level Peace Making Committeein Thailand on February 19 they discussed these concerns. RCSS/SSA representativestold himhow the Myanmar military is abusing their power,violating stipulations that are outlined in the ceasefire.
“The government has broken the agreement,” said Hseng Mong, “we are requesting clarification from them (Myanmar government) to detail the areas under their control in order to avoid future conflict.”
This wasn’t the first time the two have officially met to discuss the problem of ongoing fighting resulting from undefineddemarcations of respective territories. Among the many agreements made by the two sides, arguably the most important, includes the stipulation that the RCSS/SSA must specify its active territories and able to build headquarters.The Myanmar army has been be obstructingmany of the policies outlined in the ceasefire.They have met several times to discuss the terms of the agreement.
Since the ceasefire was signed over a year ago there have been over 70 clashes. Most recently at Loi Mut Nang where the RCSS/SSA has been given a March 20 deadline to withdraw its bases from Len,east of Salween, according to Hseng Mong.
“It is clear that they [Myanmar army] do not want us to build our headquarters in Mongton. In fact, this area has been one of our former bases; even this they do not want,” he said.
