New Burmese army arrivals in contested areas around Wanhai, the headquarters of the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) in Kehsi township, Loilem district, are changing from their uniforms into civilian clothes as they enter the areas, according to sources from central Shan State.
“Those coming from the Northeastern Region Command (based in Lashio) changed their clothes on arrival at Nam Lawng Bridge (south of Mongyai) and those going from the Central Eastern Region Command (based in Kholam) are changing at Wanzing near Mongnawng”, said a source. “But all of their trucks are carrying arms including heavy weapons.”
The new development followed the meeting between the SSPP/SSA delegation and U Thein Zaw, a Vice Chairman of the Union Peacemaking Work Committee (UPWC) on 18th October in Lashio, where he proposed the formation of a joint committee for development and stability. The SSPP/SSA later held a meeting at Wanhai to discuss the matter, but so far it has been unable to reach a decision.
Meanwhile the Burma Army has demanded that the SSPP/SSA remove its troops from four more bases along the west bank of the Salween. The two sides, despite having signed preliminary ceasefire agreements, have already fought at least six major campaigns.
