A total of eight out of 17 official ceasefire groups across Burma have turned down the Burmese military junta’s proposal that all ceasefire groups must transform into border guard forces, according to sources from news agencies in exile.
Till 2005, there were 17 armed groups that had concluded ceasefire agreements with Rangoon: nine in Shan State, two in Kachin State, four in Kayah (Karenni) State, one in Mon State and another one in Karen State. However, there are also four others: Palaung State Liberation Army (PSLA) and Shan State National Army (SSNA) and Shan State Nationalities People Liberation Organization (SNPLO) and the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP). The ceasefire agreement with KNPP was terminated after three months, when the Burma Army intruded into the KNPP’s territory.
Out of the remaining 13 groups, five are likely to say “Yes” to the junta’s demand to transform themselves into 326 strong units, commanded by their own officers but supervised by 30 junta officers, while the other eight groups have officially answered in the negative.
According to a Pa-O youth, Khun Hao Myat, the Pa-O National Organization
(PNO) is likely to say “Yes” due to the following reasons:
- Being isolated and surrounded by Burmese Army units
- Having made huge investments in businesses
- Having a close relationship with the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)
Similarly, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) is highly likely to say “Yes”, said Nan Paw Gay, Editor of Karen Information Committee (KIC), for:
- Having supported the “Nargis Constitution” last year
- Active cooperation with the Burmese Army against the Karen National Union (KNU)
Another two groups, Kayan National Guard (KNG) and Karenni Nationalities People Liberation Front (KNPLF) are also reported to have accepted, according to the Kantarrawaddy Times (KT).
As for the Kayan New Land Party (KNLP), it is reported to have told the junta authorities, “We would like to remain a ceasefire group.”
Meanwhile, groups leaning towards the SPDC would have to consider losing several members to the opposition groups, according to sources.
