A weeklong visit of the top three regional commanders of Shan State around Eastern Command last week was for inspection of areas for impending military operation, said observers from the Thai-Burma border.
From 15 to 18 February, Chairman of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Commander of Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Phyo, Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Yar Pyae and Commander of Shan and Kayah states, Lt-Gen Min Aung Hlaing together made a trip to areas in Shan State South and Shan State East including militia areas in a helicopter, said several sources.
On 18 February, the commanders were reported to have reached the Khun Sa led former Mong Tai Army (MTA) base, Ho Mong, and called on Ho Mong Area Commander Major Tin Maung Htwe, Yawd Khurh, Chairman of Ho Mong sub-township and Sai Nu from Shan State South (SSS) Company (whose chairman is Maha Ja, the leader of Homong militia) reportedly to discuss about community development, said a local resident.
The SSS group was ordered by Maj-Gen Yar Pyae in 2008 to surrender before the 2010 elections.
The meeting lasted about 20 minutes. But no further information is known.
According to the New Light of Myanmar, the tours were to follow up on the community development projects such as health, education and transportation.
But observers from both the border and locals said the trips may be for military preparations.
Another source also said that, Lt-Gen Min Aung Hlaing ordered almost all Burmese Army bases along the border areas to complete the replenishment of supplies and food, especially food that can be stored for months, by the end of February.
“All units were also ordered to prepare Khao Pook (snack made of sticky rice) for summer operation,” a Shan State Army (SSA) ‘South’ commander told SHAN.
The ruling military junta is facing opposition by major ceasefire groups such as the United Wa State Army (UWSA), Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Shan State Army (SSA) ‘North’ against its Border Guard Force programme which aims to place them under its command. These ceasefire groups say they will accept it only when their autonomous rights are guaranteed.
