In accordance with the agreement signed last month in Kengtung, the Restoration Council of Shan State / Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) is organizing field trips inside Shan State for public consultations on key political issues, said the group’s head of negotiations Brig-Gen Pawng Kherh.

Lt Gen Yawdserk, Gen Soe Win, U Than Htay and Brig Gen Pawng Kherh toasting after the agreement was signed on 19 May in Kengtung (Photo: AP)

The three issues they are planning to discuss are:

• Drugs
• The 2008 constitution and the Three Main Causes upheld by the country’s rulers (i.e. Non-disintegration of the Union, Non-disintegration of National Solidarity, and Perpetuation of National Sovereignty)
• How to provide relief for the people ravaged by war

The RCSS/SSA, commonly known as SSA South, is also expected to consult with the people as well as individuals and parties on other questions posed by the government’s peacemaking team on 19 May, such as:

• To remain forever in the Union
• To set up political parties and enter elections
• To coordinate existence of only a single national armed forces

“Our team will be divided into 3 sub-teams to meet the people in all 3 parts of Shan State,” he said.

Shan State has 55 townships:

• North 23 townships (main city, Lashio)
• South 21 townships (main city, Taunggyi)
• East 11 townships (main city, Kengtung)

The RCSS/SSA had signed a 12 point agreement with Naypyitaw on 19 May in Kengtung. Key points of the agreement include:

• Cooperation against drugs
• Joint field survey to resettle the internally displaced people
• Assistance for preservation and promotion of Shan literature and culture
• Permission to seek assistance from and coordinate with NGOs and INGOs
• Registration of RCSS/SSA’s Tai Freedom news agency
• To form a peace monitoring group
• Freedom to hold political consultations with individuals, groups and communities throughout the country