Army extends troop presence in Shan areas

The expanded troop presence was needed to build on the peace established by the government. It was building peace while extending its troop presence in the ethnic-controlled areas. As a result of that, clashes occurred several times leading to misunderstandings and suspicions between the government and the ethnic groups. 

Ethnic groups demanded an immediate cease-fire, the joint statement said. And, the groups believe that a sustainable peace should be made by seeking a solution through political dialogue instead of addressing conflicts by force. Releasing political prisoners helps national reconciliation and national unity. The ethnic groups demanded further release of the remaining political prisoners, in the statement.

Although peace talks are going on after the cease-fire between the government and ethnic armed groups in Shan State, clashes break out from time to time. Clashes in the north of the state are likely to spread to all parts of the state [Shan State], an intelligence officer who asked not to be named from the Wanhai SSPP/SSA base, said.

 

Action over rioters draws criticism

High-profile individuals from various fields have criticised the government’s plan to take action against rioters behind a new wave of protests at the China-backed copper mine in central Myanmar.

Clashes between villagers and the police erupted last week after local people tried to build tents and cultivate their farms inside the project area. The violence left three villagers and 15 police injured. Two locals and one activist have been detained, according to reports.

Critics blame the government for attempting to take action against detainees and others involved in the riot. They said officials neglected to take action against parties that used force and phosphorus in a crackdown against monks peacefully demonstrating against the copper mine project in November. 

“Regarding the Letpadaungtaung issue, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said the committee was not tasked to force the authorities to take action [for the crackdown]. How can the public ask for [the government] to take action? This is actually the government’s job. If the authorities don’t do it, I believe they are guilty,” said famous writer Dr Khin Maung Nyo, who is a chemistry expert.

Aye Thar Aung, chairman of the Arakan League for Democracy, said locals did not dare to protest against the previous government when they started the copper mine project even though it lacked fairness and transparency. 

“Now, they have started protesting as there is more freedom. Some are not happy with the way the investigation commission handled the issue. They are afraid that Leptadaung Mountain will disappear. That’s why I think [the police] shouldn’t have used force during this [recent] crackdown,” Aye Thar Aung said.