Ceasefire groups told to make direct contact with Army

Politics

Ceasefire groups told to make direct contact with Army

Ceasefire groups that used to have close relationship with the discredited Military Intelligence Service prior to the fall of Gen Khin Nyunt on 18 October are being advised to seek out the Army instead from now on, reports Hawkeye from the border:

According to the informed ceasefire source, Col Sai Yi, new leader of the Shan State National Army, who was invited by the Burma Army's Lashio-based Northeastern Region Command yesterday for a meeting was informed by its commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing that thenceforth he, as well as leaders of other ceasefire groups, were to communicate with his command instead of Military Intelligence #9 that had been ordered to close shop. "If you have any problems that call for my attention," he was quoted as saying, "Captain Myint Zaw, my G-2 (Intelligence), is your man."

He also assured Sai Yi that the change was only "in person", and not "in policy".

However, a source from the Chinese border who has for more than a decade monitoring the Burma Army, maintained all units in the northern Shan State had been ordered to be ready within an hour's notice at all times.

Also, the following military intelligence units have been reportedly dissolved:

• MI-2 (Taunggyi)

• MI-8 (Myitkyina)

• MI-9 (Lashio)

• MI-21 (Bhamo)

"The alert is not surprising," he added. "Rumors are abound that something is going to happen while Gen Than Shwe is touring India next week."

There are 6 ceasefire groups in northern Shan State under the patronage of Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing:

• Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (Kokang)

• United Wa State Army

• Shan State Army "North"

• Shan State National Army

• Kachin Democratic Army

• Palaung State Liberation Army