Burma Army’s new camp constructions, which are under its military expansion project in Shan State South, especially in areas near the territory of rebel armed groups, have reported to have caused more local residents to migrate to other areas ...
Burma Army’s new camp constructions, which are under its military expansion project in Shan State South, especially in areas near the territory of rebel armed groups, have reported to have caused more local residents to migrate to other areas as the constructions are demanding forced labor, according to sources from the Thai-Burma border.
The constructions have been conducted in Kali of Kunhing township and Mongzang of Monghsu township where the SSA North’s First Brigade that has spurned the ruling junta’s demand to go along with the Border Guard Force (BGF) program is active.
“All their camps were built by concrete including their bunkers and trenches,” a villager in Monghsu who just fled to Tachilek, opposite Thailand’s Maesai. “They were reportedly ordered to finish all the camps within three months since Deputy Senior General Maung Aye visited in November. Therefore, they [military junta] are working day and night to complete by the deadline.”
One of the camps under the constructions is located at Loi Zeun of Monghsu and another at Mongzarng, southeast of the SSA’s First Brigade.
According to informed sources, the military junta will place heavy artillery in Monghsu, Mongyai, Mongzang and Kali.
Meanwhile, the Burma Army’s Northeastern Region Command,with its headquarters Lashio, Northern Shan State, have also been breaking up units under its command for the newly installed “Middle East” regional command. All balkanized troops will reportedly be deployed to the area by the end of the month.
The expansion is believed to cut communications between armed groups that have been transformed into BGFs and those that had refused to. Its other purpose is also to prepare for a major operation against non-BGFs after the new government has been formed.
On the other hand, the SSA’s First Brigade has also re-formed the SSA North, with 5 new brigades, commanded by Sao Pangfa: 1st, 27th, 36th, 72nd and 74th with 3 battalions each.
The new expansion drive has alarmed people that military operations between the Burma Army and armed groups can break out at anytime and it will also require more recruitment then.
