The 21-member delegation of the National Democratic Alliance Army-Eastern Shan State (NDAA-ESS), based in Mongla, opposite China’s Daluo, was “advised” yesterday by Naypyidaw’s chief negotiator to resign itself to the Border Guard Force (BGF) status, according to a source on the Thai-Burma border.
“We stand by the letter you wrote to us on September 23,” Lt-Gen Ye Myint was quoted as saying.
According to the source, who had not seen the letter, Mongla had agreed to accept the BGF proposal by Naypyidaw.
“It was largely a monologue, with all the Mongla people listening to Ye Myint, with scarcely an opportunity to express their opinions,” he said.
Practically all of Mongla’s counter proposals were rejected by the junta, such as:
- To become a militia force, where there will be no junta officers to run the show
- To conduct military trainings in Mongla territory
- To include its Hsaleu (which, according to Naypyidaw, is in Mongyan township) and Nampan (which, according to Naypyidaw, is included in Mongyawng) in Mongla township
The Mongla leadership will be holding another meeting with its main ally the United Wa State Army (UWSA) before taking a final decision, said the source.
The question remains whether the Wa, which has lost its northern border with Kokang to the Burmese Army, is ready to let go its southern border with Mongla.
