The Burma Army commander, based in Lashio, has denied allegations against the Shan State Army (North) for the 2 missing of its liaison representatives, who are believed to have been killed, the case has been filed in the parliamentary session, as they [the Burma army] claim ‘no responsibility’, said the SSPP/SSA spokesperson.

The situation between Wa Army and the Burma Army has been tense as both sides have reinforced their troops, the United Wa State Army (UWSA) controls areas in the southern region, on the east Salween, opposite Chiang Mai province, according to news sources.

It is reported that new clashes between Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) and the Burma Army have ruthlessly erupted when the units of the Burma Army launched a new attack on the former temporary bases in the Lashio township, northern Shan State.

Shan Task Force 701 commander has warned Burma Army of retaliation if its troops continue to disguise by wearing Shan State Army (SSA) uniforms to commit crimes against humanity in the villages in Namkham Township on Sino-Burma border, according to news sources.

The United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the people it had brought down from the Sino-Burmese border will not move house back from the Thai-Burmese border areas where it has been allowed to reside since the 1990s, according to well known analyst Aung Kyaw Zaw, who is reportedly close to the Wa.

On 13 May, on a highway linking with Sino-Burma border, at Namkham, a shootout incident has occurred between a unit of Myanmar police and Panhsay militia men, following some arguments among themselves in which the case involve a deal on illegal logging business, according to local news sources.

According to a senior Thai border security official, both China and United Wa State Army (UWSA)’s denial of a report saying China had delivered a number of ‘Hip’ helicopters equipped with air-to-air missiles to the latter warrants further investigations.

Recent movements made by the Burma Army have placed Thai security in a state of alert, according to sources on the Thai-Burmese border.

“Since ceasefire agreements were signed, Mongton township (opposite Chiangmai’s Chiangdao and Fang districts) had only 3 local infantry battalions: Infantry Battalions (IBs) 65, 225 and 277 plus Artillery Battalion 386,” said an informed local. “But this month, we are witnessing new developments.”