The Shan State Army (SSA) North’s 7th Brigade that transformed itself into Burma Army-controlled Home Guard Force (HGF) was given the option to consider returning to the armed struggle if the group was unhappy, according to informed sources from Shan State South.

“The regional commander told the group to make a clear-cut decision whether it will be a unit under the army or return to the jungle,” a source close to the group said.

The group was told by Commander of Taunggyi based Eastern Region Command Brig-Gen San Oo while he was on a trip to supervise security for Deputy Senior General Maung Aye and director of the Burma Army Artillery (unidentified) to inspect the sites in Mongzang, Monghsu township and Kunhing-Takaw motor road for setting up artillery bases on 30 November.

The commander said if the group decided to be one of the Burma Army’s subordinate units, it must fully obey the army’s directive; otherwise it is free to join its former sister unit, the 1st Brigade.

The group was reported to be still behaving like it used to be as an independent armed movement enjoying ceasefire agreement with the junta, local sources said.

Sources have reported that many fighters of the group refused to put on militia uniforms provided by the Burma Army in late April even though they had transformed themselves into a home guard force, under the command of the Burma Army.

“The group also failed to persuade the 1st Brigade to become a militia unit as demanded by the former Northeastern Region Command commander Aung Than Htut,” a source said.

The 7th Brigade and 3rd Brigade transformed themselves into junta run home guard force in April. The 1st, which is regarded as the strongest SSA unit, with an estimated strength of 4,000, has refused to accept the demand. It had since October already fought 4 times against attacking Burma Army units.