Junta empowering another ceasefire group to expand

Junta empowering another ceasefire group to expand

Reporter: Maihoong

While the Wa have been authorized to expand in eastern Shan State, another ceasefire group is being groomed to expand in the west, reported Maihoong from southern Shan State. 

Since 4 August, the Pa-O National Army of Aung Kham Hti, 69, with base in Kyauktalung in Hsihseng Township near Taunggyi, has moved his "advance base" to Namzang, 70 miles east of Taunggyi, according to sources who fled into Thailand recently. His base was reportedly set up in the eastern outskirts of Namzang near the IB 66 battalion post. 
Although details are still lacking, it is learned the PNO has also opened offices in Panglong, Laikha, Mongkerng, Mongnawng, Monghsu, Mongnai, Langkher and Mongpan and have been collecting their own taxes since, including a third of the harvest of rice from each field. 

"The Burmese have already sanctioned to increase our strength so to enable us to control the whole of southern Shan State," said a junior Pa-O officer. "They said they would pull out of Shan State once we achieve that objective." 
The Pa-O, one of the main races of Shan State, moved northward from Suwannabhumi (Thaton) when the kingdom, regarded both by the Mons and Pa-Os as theirs, was conquered by Anawrahta (1044-1077) of Pagan in 1047, and were granted land to resettle by the southern Shan prince of Yawnghwe. 

The PNO signed truce with Rangoon on 18 February, 1991, according to the New Light of Myanmar. Another Pa-O dominated group, Shan State Nationalities and Peoples' Liberation Organization, led by Ta Kalei, followed suit on 9 October 1994. The remaining resistance elements were regrouped under Hkun Okker, who set up the Pa-O People's Liberation Organization, a member of the non-Burman National Democratic Front.