The National Democratic Alliance Army-Eastern Shan State (NDAA-ESS), commonly known as the Mongla group, is meeting junta commanders today, according to reliable sources on the Thai-Burma border.

A 21-member delegation led by its leader Sai Leun have left Mongla to meet junta chief negotiator Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Military Affairs Security (MAS) in Kengtung today over the junta’s “one country, one military” policy, said a source.

Mongla is reported to have agreed to the concept that there should be only one military in a country. It is also ready to place its 4,500 strong armed force under the Tatmadaw on a step-by-step basis.

“Initially, the command structure of the Mongla force should remain as it is,” said the source. “Naypyidaw should also not be in a hurry to place its officers at the battalion level and its administrative apparatus in Mongla as yet.”

Similarly, a five-member Wa delegation made a five-day trip ( October 24 to 28) to Lashio, northern Shan State, following an invitation by the Commander of the Lashio-based Northeastern Region Command Maj-Gen Aung Than Tut on 21 October, according to a Wa source on the Thai-Burma border.

Four of the Wa delegates were identified as Bao Youri, Bao Youliang, Li Julieh (U Aung Myint) and Yaku.

In response to Aung Than Tut’s inquiry as to their stand on the proposed BGF proposal, the Wa reportedly replied it is “yet to make any decisions.”

All ceasefire groups have been given a deadline till the end of October to accept its BGF proposal.

The obvious thaw in the relations have been attributed not only to the efforts by China but also to reports of the two groups’ growing intimacy with the anti-Naypyidaw Shan State Army (SSA) South of Col Yawdserk, according to a veteran Thai border watcher.

“The junta is afraid it is pushing the groups too far by its inflexibility,” he said.