Even as the Burmese military junta has been directing its militia to go into an expansion mode, some ceasefire groups such as the Shan State Army (SSA) North and the United Wa State Army (UWSA) have been beefing up their security after the May 10 referendum, according to informed sources from central Shan State.

Since early August, the Shan State Army (SSA) North's First Brigade has strengthened security at its main base in Wanhai, Kehsi township.

"There are a lot of Shan soldiers wearing red scarves around the village," said a trader whose truck operates between Taunggyi and Monghsu.

"Whenever we pass through the village, we have to show our identity cards at the gate and obtain gate passes."

"Last week, the First Brigade Deputy Commander of the SSA-N, Lt-Col Khurh Tai was summoned by the Mongnawng-based Military Operations Command No. 2 Commander to Taunggyi for discussions, according to a SSA source.

The SSA-N sent eight trucks to provide security for Sao Khurh Tai. There is no information about what was discussed, the source added.

Likewise, the National Democratic Alliance Army-Eastern Shan State (NDAA-ESS) and the UWSA have deployed more troops to strengthen their security forces in Panghsang and Mongla.

Trenches and bunkers are also being built along the borders of their domains.

Since August, regional commanders in Shan State have been making field trips to border towns and instructing their regular and militia units to increase their strength.