Most ceasefire armies say “No” to junta’s border force proposal
By Hseng Khio Fah
(Shan Herald) -8 out of the 17 official ceasefire armies across Burma have reported to have practically replied No on the junta’s proposal that all ceasefire groups must transform themselves into border guard forces, according to sources from exile news agencies.
Until 2005, there were 17 armed groups that had concluded ceasefire agreements with Rangoon: Nine in Shan State, two in Kachin State, four in Kayah (Karenni) State, one in Mon State and another one in Karen State. But four of them: Palaung State Liberation Army (PSLA) and Shan State National Army (SSNA) and Shan State Nationalities People Liberation Organization (SNPLO), while the ceasefire with Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) was terminated after 3 months, when the Burma Army pushed into the KNPP’s territory.
UWSA soldiers
Out of the remaining13 groups, 5 are likely to say “Yes” to the junta’s demand to transform themselves into 326 strong units, commanded by their own officers but supervised by 30 junta officers, when other 8 groups have officially said No or effectively No.
According to a Pa-O youth, Khun Hao Myat, that the Pa-O National Organization (PNO) is most likely to answer “Yes” due to the following reasons:
• Being isolated and surrounded by Burma Army units
• Having made huge investment in businesses
• Having close relationship with the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)
Similar to the PNO, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) is highly likely to say “Yes”, said Nan Paw Gay, Editor of Karen Information Committee (KIC):
• Having supported the “Nargis constitution” last year
• Active cooperation with the Burma Army against the Karen National Union (KNU)
Another two groups Kayan National Guard (KNG) and Karenni Nationalities People Liberation Front (KNPLF) are also reported to have accepted, according to Kantarrawaddy Time (KT).
As for the Kayan New Land Party (KNLP), it was reported to have told the junta authorities, “We would like to remain a ceasefire group.”
Even so, groups leaning toward the SPDC would have to consider losing several members to the opposition groups, according to sources.
For more details, please read below:
Stand on Border Guard Force
