Tough commanders to handle ceasefire groups

S.H.A.N. -The ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) has transferred hard-nosed commanders to areas where recalcitrant ceasefire groups are in control, according to a recent report coming to the border.

The new line up of the chiefs of bureaux of special operations (BSO) who in effect are responsible for security of 2 states or divisions upwards are as follows:

Kachin, Shan, Kayah, Karen and Mon states currently have at least 13 ceasefire groups:

The new appointments had coincided with the new offer to the ceasefire groups to be re-organized as auxiliary forces of the Burma Army. A reorganized 326 strong auxiliary battalion will be still commanded by ceasefire commanders at least in name but supervised by Burma Army officers.

Most groups have voiced their opposition to the scheme. “Before this they only wanted us to surrender our arms,” a senior ceasefire commander SHAN met in Panghsang last month said. “Now they want us to surrender ourselves and our men also.”