When the RCSS/SSA signed a ceasefire on Dec. 2, 2011, the government promised that they would be able to specify their controlled territories and be allowed to build a permanent headquarters. Since then, both sides have met 5 different times. The ceasefire has already reached the Union-level but the government hasn’t kept its promises. To make matters worse fighting between the RCSS/SSA and the Burma army continues. Since the ceasefire was inked there have been over 50 separate clashes between the two sides.
According to sources from RCSS/SSA, Monghta, in the eastern part of the state and Homong, in the south, are the two areas they planned to build their military headquarters, army camps and housing for the soldiers’ families. But the Burma army keeps obstructing plans to initiate the project.
“To the best of our good-will, we will adhere to the truce agreement. But if we have no choice, we can’t help. Although according to the agreement made, Monghta and Homong are the territories given by the government; but the army does not want to follow suit. The army just wants us to stay where they have specified. They want us to be like drops of water in their hands. We are told not to carry weapons where about we go. We are soldiers; we can’t go without weapons. We have not decided yet if we are withdrawing from the Loi Mut Nang Len bases,” RCSS/SSA spokesperson, Maj Lao Hseng told the SHAN.
The RCSS/SSA were given a deadline to withdraw from their base at Loi Mut Nang Len, east of Salween River by March 20 by deputy commander-in-chief of triangle region, according to a RCSS spokesperson.
“That means it is clear that they [Burma army] don’t want us to build our headquarters in Mongton. In fact, this area has been the location of one of our former bases. Even on this issue this they do not want us to make a settlement, let alone in other locations. Our term of agreement with the government is now over a year old,” said Maj Lao Hseng.
The RCSS/SSA has been told that SSA forces based in Homong must also withdraw by the end of February. But the SSA didn’t withdraw until the first week of March. It is still unknown why the Burma army was attacking the former SSA bases with heavy artillery over a period of 2 days.
Ceasefire critics speculate that the Burma army is pretending there is dissent in the ethnic areas to justify their heavy handed approach so they can reinforce their troops. The construction of the RCSS/SSA headquarters and the resettlement of the refugees were supposed to have happened last year before the rainy season started.
The Burma army is trying to antagonize the SSA so they can justify “using their power to subdue” that is why they are “obstructing the peace process,” said Maj Lao Hseng.
