Burmese Soldier Killed in Clash with ALA

Dhaka: One Burmese soldier was killed and two were critically injured in a clash with the Arakan Liberation Army, or the ALA, on the western Burmese border on 11 February, said a spokesperson of the ALA.

Khaing Tun Lun, ALA spokesperson, said, "The armed clash took place at 11:45 am on the day near Pri Zaw Village in Paletwa Township, southern Chin State. In the clash, one Burmese soldier was killed and two others were critically injured."

The deceased and wounded soldiers are from Light Infantry Battalion 263 based in Buthidaung Township in northern Arakan State. The battalion is currently operating on the western frontline.

"The battle took place when our group and SPDC troops met face to face near the village. The battle lasted 50 minutes but no one from our side was injured," Lun said.

The ALA column was led by Captain Khaing Kyaw Moe Tun while the SPDC column was led by Major Soe Aung. Each group had about 15 soldiers.

Lun said, "The information is correct and we received the news from local villagers who transported the deceased and wounded soldiers to Paletwa from scene, and we also received the information from other army sources."

However, the information has not been confirmed by the Burmese military itself.

It was learned that this is the first battle between ALA and SPCD troops on the western border this year. In 2009, there were nine battles that took place between the two groups on the western Burmese border.

The ALA is the armed wing of the Arakan Liberation Party that was formed in 1967 in Rangoon to fight the central Burmese government for Arakanese independence. Arakan lost its sovereignty in 1784 after Burma's King Bodaw Maung Win invaded the kingdom.

Source :http://www.narinjara.com/details.asp?id=2482