Though the bulk of the besieging Burma Army troops have been withdrawn since 29 July, trucks carrying rice and other supplies have continued to arrive at outposts facing Wanhai, the Shan State Army (SSA) North’s key base in Kehsi township in central Shan State, according to both local and SSA sources.
“At least 200 bags have already gone through during the past two days,” said an informed source to SHAN.
Out of 14 infantry battalions surrounding Wanhai, only three remain, according to the SSA. The supplies were unloaded at Loi Kawngmu Markkieng, between Wan Merd and Kieng Lern, 8 miles and 7 miles respectively west of Wanhai. Both villages are under the control of the Burma Army.
Commenting on this, Lt-Gen Yawdserk, leader of the Shan State Army (SSA) South, said, “There could be two reasons: One, the Burma Army is changing its tactical plan. Two, it is waiting for the Shan State Government to send its delegation to negotiate with Sao Pang Fa (leader of the SSA North), like they are doing in Kachin State.”
According to the SSA North’s latest report, the two sides for the first time, joined forces together and fought against the Burma Army in Mongnawng sub-township of Kehsi township, 28-30 July.
In the Kachin State, Col Than Aung, Kachin State Government’s Minister for Security and Border Affairs, a military appointee, has been negotiating with the SSA North’s ally, Kachin Independence Army (KIA).
In Shan State, Col Than Aung’s counterpart is Col Aung Thu.
Meeting with ex-general U Tin Aye, Chairman of the Union Election Commission, 5 ethnic parties including Shan had broached the subject of forming a peacemaking commission to parley with the ethnic armed groups. Tin Aye reportedly told them it was a matter best handled by the military, which had inevitably irked the parties. “Peace is a matter which concerns all the people in the Union, not just the military,” one of the Shan politicians told SHAN.
The 5 parties expect to broach the subject again in the forthcoming parliamentary sessions due to start on 2 August.
