Two Burmese government battalions have been sent into areas under the control of the New Mon State Party (NMSP) despite a longstanding agreement between both parties that Burmese troops would not enter the area while the 1995 cease-fire remains intact.A Mon National Liberation Army officer stands before troops during a Mon National Day ceremony at the Thai-Burmese border. (Photo: The Irrrawaddy)
One Burmese battalion of about 200 soldiers from Management of Military Command No. 8, based in Tavoy District, Tenasserim Division, was sent to set up base last week in Kyar Inn Seik Gyi Township, southern Karen State, which is under NMSP control.
The other battalion, comprising about 50 troops from Southeast Command, was stationed near Three Pagodas Pass in February.
A source close to the NMSP told The Irrawaddy that Nai Hang Thar, the secretary of the NMSP, had told him that he believed the battalions had set up base in NMSP area as a test to see if the Mon army would retaliate against them.
The party's leaders have reportedly put their troops on alert, but warned them not to open fire unless the government troops shoot first.
Speaking to The Irrawaddy recently, Nai Htaw Mon, the chairman of the NMSP, said, “We will not break the cease-fire. But we need to talk with the Burmese commanders to find out how long they intend to stay in our area.”
There are 12 areas under NMSP control that are prohibited to Burmese government forces under the terms of the 1995 cease-fire agreement. This in the first time in 15 years that the Burmese military has set foot in the area.
The Burmese regime proposed in June that the NMSP join a border guard force under Burmese army command. There has been mounting tension between the NMSP and the Burmese military in recent months since the Mon rejected the plan.
“Our people have told us they don’t agree with our troops serving as border guard forces,” said Nai Htaw Mon, “We have already told the junta what our people are saying.
“If they continue to put pressure on us or use force or terrorize us, we have to fight. But, we will maintain the cease-fire agreement as long as they do not attack us first,” he added.
Reports are circulating that Naypyidaw intends to declare that armed cease-fire groups such as the NMSP are illegal organizations if the groups continue to resist the regime's border guard force plan.
Meanwhile, the NMSP is holding a meeting at their headquarters to discuss the recent developments, according to the sources. The party has reportedly invited all local army officials to join the month-long meeting.
Comments
Post a Comment