Initial talk between the new civilianized government and Shan State Progress Party/ Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) that had been fighting against the Burma Army since March, reportedly was held last weekend on Saturday, 29 October at Naypyitaw, according to reliable sources from inside.
The meeting was the result of facilitation by Sao Gaifa, leader of SSPP’s former sister group the 7th Brigade, now known as Kali People’s Militia Force.
The SSPP side was led by Sao Naw Leik aka Sai Htwe while the government side was led by U Thein Zaw, Chairman of the Lower House National Races and Internal Peacekeeping Committee and U Aung Min, Railway Transport Minister.
The SSPP reportedly requested withdrawal of Burmese army troops deployed around its Headquaters Wanhai before further discussion, a source quoted one of the officer as saying.
“The government then replied that they will submit the information to Naypyitaw and respond as soon as possible,” he said.
No further details have been disclosed. When SHAN asked Major Sai La, spokesperson of the SSPP, he replied he was not aware of it.
“However, the first meeting turned out to be satisfactory for both sides,” the source said.
Gen Hso Ten, former SSA leader, who was released on 12 October was in Naypyitaw on Saturday. But sources were unsure whether he participated at the meeting.
According to the report by SSPP/SSA, the two sides had clashed 308 times, from 13 March to 31 August. The Burma Army suffered 537 killed and 649 wounded, while the SSA suffered 33 killed and 44 wounded. Tens of thousands became homeless, many of whom also suffered human rights abuses.
So far the Burma government has held peace talks with 4 armed groups, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), United Wa State Army (UWSA), National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) and the SSPP. It was able to conclude new ceasefire agreements with UWSA and NDAA, but war with KIA goes unabated.
