The Burmese military junta has instructed all armed groups in Shan State,  which had surrendered, to turn into police units by June. The directive is similar to the one to ceasefire groups, which have been told to transform to border security force battalions before the ensuing 2010 general elections.

On May 17, all the groups, which had surrendered, were summoned to regional commands in Taunggyi and Lashio.

The Pa-O National Organization (PNO) led by Aung Kham Hti and Moeng Zeun, Shan State Army’s former 758th Brigade commander, will be reorganized as Special Commando Police forces.

The PNO, formed in 1976, signed a ceasefire agreement with Rangoon in 1991. Its leader Aung Kham Hti is also a co-chairman of the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) Shan State South branch.

Moeng Zeun’s Namhu militia surrendered on July 17, 2006. However, Moeng Zeun was killed in an attack on May 24 between Namhu and Kholam, Namzang Township, 72 miles east of Taunggyi, by the Shan State Army (SSA-South) patrol. His funeral services will be concluded today (Friday 29).

On May 26, there was another clash between Mongkeung and Laikha at the 47th milestone. One Namhu militia member, who was on his way to Moeng Zeun’s funeral with his commander Sai Ta, was reportedly killed.

According to SSA spokesman, Maj Lao Hseng, there have been four clashes this month between the SSA and the Burmese Army, during which the rebels inflicted more than 20 casualties on the junta’s army and seized more than 20 assorted weapons.

Since early 2009, the Burmese Army has been forcing villages in several townships in Shan State to set up militia units.

It has also been imparting military training for militias. In addition, villagers over 18 years old are being ordered to join the fire brigade or the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA).