The ceasefire is based on a 12 point agreement, according to U Hla Maung Shwe, the MPC’s senior advisor. “The 12 points are the major points for what all must be included for political talks. The other remaining points are just the supporters of the 12 points,” U Hla Maung Shwe said.

The main points include implementing a nation-wide ceasefire, allow the ABSDF to continue initiatives that advance democratic gains, national equality and autonomy, and for the armed group to lose its outlaw status. As part of the agreement, liaison offices are being considered for Kalay Town, Three Pagodas Pass Town, Muu-zel Town and Loikaw City.

The ABSDF met with the UPWC twice formally and three times informally prior to the signing of a state-level ceasefire on Aug. 5 of last year.

Prominent student leaders like Min Ko Naing, Ko Mya Aye, and Ko Ko Kyi, and other members of United Nationalities Alliance, were witness to the Union-level ceasefire signing.

ABSDF Chairman Comrade Than Khe said that the ceasefire agreement is not meant to give up arms but it is preliminary step toward nationwide peace talks for domestic peace.

“Every new step” the ABSDF “have decided to walk through with bravery for people’s benefits” to take this ”journey it is also necessary to have a new condition of working with one another hand-in-hand for domestic peace and national reconciliation” Than Khe said.

The ceasefire comes two days after the 88 Generation marked their Silver Jubilee with three days of ceremony and speeches in Rangoon.

The ABSDF formed on November 1, 1988 after the military crackdown following the student protests. At the time many fled Rangoon for the border areas starting the student’s armed group. Now the ABSDF has soldiers based with many ethnic armed groups across the country. These areas include Mon, Karen, Karenni, Shan, Kachin and Chin states.