Its sister organization, Restoration Council of Shan State / Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA), said it had been attacked at least 14 times since the ceasefire agreement was signed on 2 December 2011, but the Shan State Progress Party / Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) disclosed today that it had been forced to fight 13 clashes with the Burma Army since 28 January this year when it signed the ceasefire agreement.
The said clashes had taken place mostly in Lashio, Kutkhai, Hsenwi, Namtu and Monghsu townships where the SSA North, as the SSPP/SSA is commonly known, is active.
Colonels Nay Win Aung and Tun Tun Nyi, commanders of division-sized Military Operations Commands (MOCs) 2 and 16, based in Kyaukme and Hsenwi respectively, had recently issued orders to shoot every armed group wearing uniforms other than issued by the Burma Army, according to sources.
“My orders are to stay where I’m being assigned to,” said an SSA officer. “If they (the Burma Army) wants us to move out, they should inform our headquarters.”
Meanwhile, Brig-Gen Sai Lu, who had led the SSA South delegation to Taunggyi in December to sign the truce, said, “I had also heard the same from Burmese commanders (not to wear uniforms). Of course, I pointed out to them that the two agreements concluded so far between us have nothing to say about this. If they want us not to carry arms and wear uniforms at such and such places, they should discuss with us at the next formal meeting.”
The SSA South, as the RCSS/SSA is popularly known, is due to meet Naypyitaw negotiators some time in May, according to SSA sources. Apart from ending continued tensions between the two, it is planning to discuss agricultural projects, resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) on the Thai-Burmese border and cooperation in the eradication of drugs.
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