New Burmese army arrivals in contested areas around Wanhai, the headquarters of the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) in Kehsi township, Loilem district, are changing their uniforms into civvies, as they enter the areas, according to sources from central Shan State.

U Thein Zaw speaking to SSPP/SSA delegation, 18 October 2014. (Photo: News light of Myanmar)

“Those coming from the Northeastern Region Command (based in Lashio) changed their clothes on arrival at Nam Lawng Bridge (south of Mongyai) and those going from the Central Eastern Region Command (based in Kholam) at Wanzing near Mongnawng”, said source. “But all of their trucks are carrying arms including heavy weapons.”

The new development followed the meeting between the SSPP/SSA delegation and U Thein Zaw, a Vice Chairman of the Union Peacemaking Work Committee (UPWC) on 18 October in Lashio, where he proposed the formation of a joint committee for development and stability. SSPP/SSA later held a meeting at Wanhai to discuss the matter, but so far it has been unable to reach a decision.

Meanwhile the Burma Army has demanded that the SSPP/SSA remove its troops from 4 more bases along the west bank of the Salween. The two sides, despite having signed preliminary ceasefire agreements, have already fought at least 6 major campaigns.