Apprehensions of a bloody conflict have increased among the Mon public as the SPDC-sponsored general elections draw near. After two clashes occurred during the traditional Songkran New Year, many civilians feel that they are now aware of the activities of a splinter group and the New Mon State Party (NMSP).
The first clash occurred in Dhamasa Village, Kyaimarok (Kyaikmayaw) Township during a bull fight gambling session on April 15, 2009. Troops from the NMSP-controlled Thaton District encountered another armed group, the Mon Peace and Defence Force (MPDF) and shared gunfire, shocking onlookers. The crowd watching the bull fight dispersed quickly and at least one motor vehicle was involved in an accident, as a result of the widespread panic and chaos as everyone attempted to escape. Fortunately there were no casualties.
“This situation is serious and there are signs of armed conflict between Mon soldiers. About 10 members of a breakaway group led by Nai Ai Chan have been used by the SPDC's military intelligence to create tension and conflict against the NMSP. This new armed group opened their office in Moulmein under the protection of the SPDC’s Sa Ya Pha, and has launched gambling dens in Mon State (Mudon, Thanbyuzayat and Kyaikmayaw Townships) and in Karen State (Kawkareik Township),” said a leader of the Mon Affairs Union, an umbrella Mon organization based at the Thai-Burma border.
Another clash occurred on April 18, 2009. Dr. Nai Minn Naung, a NMSP member and Secretary of the Mon Relief and Development Committee (MRDC) was killed by a gunshot on his back as he travelled on a Mon-state highway close to SPDC’s Southeast Command.
The Moulmein District Police Force later stormed a restaurant and arrested three men on suspicion of the murder: Nai Aung Mon, Nai Aung Khaing (Sura) and Nai Shwe Lu. A source from the NMSP said the convicts belonged to the Mon Peace and Defence Forces, led by General Aung Naing.
Many Mon political observers believe that this wave of clashes has been heavily influenced, if not directly instigated, by the SPDC in an effort to create conflict among the Mon people.
“There is a great challenge, ahead for the NMSP because the party stood strongly and did not support the new constitution and general elections. Other small armed groups such as the Mon Peace Group led by Nai Aung in Mergui, and the MPDG led by General Aung Naing would definitely take this opportunity for their self interest,” said Nai Ong, a veteran of the NMSP.
General Nai Aung Naing, the former army chief of the New Mon State Party (NMSP), secretly formed an armed group after a leave of absence for his medical treatment in 2008. Nai Aung Naing became the army chief of the Mon National Liberation Army (MNLA), the NMSP military wing in 2005. He served in the Burma Army and CPB before joining the New Mon State Party.
“General Aung Naing was probably the best soldier, but not a politician and the public only supported him when he fought against their enemy (SPDC). Otherwise he has no public support since his decision to collaborate with the brutal regime,” a Mon abbot from Ye Township said.
The public are concerned that the clashes will continue to get worse within the Mon community, allowing greater SPDC control of opposition groups.
