“We are concerned about the civilians. Because wherever the fighting takes place, villages that are located nearby are always being abused and killed by the Burma army soldiers. We therefore want them to withdraw and to stop killing and abusing the civilians,” Sai La said.

According to an unconfirmed report, SSPP/SSA representatives were in Taunggyi, capital of Shan State, to meet Sao Aung Myat, Chief Minister of the Shan State last week for peace talks.

“I have not received any information from our central committee yet,” Sai La replied. “So I can’t confirm your information.”

Despite its readiness for the conclusion of fighting, the group is depending on its alliance the 12-member United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) to negotiate the political agreement with Naypyitaw. 

“But we will never surrender. And we will also never transform ourselves into a militia force,” Sai La added.

Following the invitation for peace talks by Naypyitaw on 18 August to negotiate at the state/region level “groupwise”, the UNFC made an announcement demanding direct negotiations between Naypyitaw and itself. Its 23-25 August meeting also appointed an 8 member negotiating team headed by grouping’s Secretary General nai Hongsa.

To date, reports of fighting between the Burma Army and the SSPP/SSA are still coming in.

Yesterday, a clash was taken place between a 50 strong Burma Army unit from Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) #506 led by Major Zaw Win Naing and some dozens of SSA fighters led by Captain Sai Yone in Shan State North’s Hsipaw township, Natung village tract, near Wan Park village when one was killed and 7 wounded on the Burma Army side while no casualties were reported from the SSA side, according to SSA.

The Burmese military started military operations against its [the SSPP/SSA] on 13 March, effectively ending the almost 22 year ceasefire pact between the two. The regime also attacked another ceasefire group, Kachin Independence Army (KIA) on 9 June.