TNLA: Postpone big investments until there is a ceasefire

The government should postpone making large-scale investments in Ta’ang region until there is a guarantee that we will have sustainable peace, said Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) vice chairman Tar Gyoke Jar.

The armed ethnic group is based in Myanmar’s northern Shan State and they have yet to secure a ceasefire agreement with the government.

The government army is expanding its military bases in the region, citing the need to protect government projects and large-scale investments, claimed Tar Gyoke Jar.

“They should hold these investments. Their existence can lead to land grabbing and forced labour here. Moreover, by citing investments, they may also wage attacks,” he said.

Last year, the number of military regiments in Ta’ang region, also known as Palaung region, rose to 32 units. Despite bouts of clashes with the armed ethnic troops, the government continued the China-Myanmar gas pipeline project and hydropower dam projects on the Thanlwin River in Ta’ang area. A lack of transparency with the projects and expanding military bases in the area increased tensions in the region, the Ta’ang Women’s Organisation (TWO) said in a recent statement.

“When large-scale investments come, security issues follow,” said TWO general secretary Didi Poesin. “For example, the government army is situated along the [China-Myanmar] gas pipeline to ensure security. Sometimes, government forces enter the villages. It raises concerns for the villages’ stability, economy, education and so on. In our region, the government forces are not alone. There are armed ethnic groups. So, an encounter is possible. When they fight, it’s the people who suffer a lot. So, many refugee camps which never existed are appearing here now.”

In Ta’ang region, there are 4,300 war refugees staying at three camps in Manton Township. There is one camp in Nanhkan Township, two in Kutkai Township, one in Namtu Township and one in Tangyan Township.

In the latest skirmish on Thursday, fighting broke out between the TNLA and government  forces, according to Tah Gyoke Jar.

“Our regiment 717 clashed with the government army at Panphyat Village, located on the Kyaukme-Mainglon motor road. I don’t know exactly what started the skirmish. But, it may be that the tatmadaw was interfering with our efforts to inform the community,” said Tah Gyoke Jar.

The first skirmish took place on February 24 in Manpein Village of Nanhkham Township, where poppy cultivation is widespread. Consecutive battles broke out on February 26 in the border areas between Mongton and Moemeik.

At the beginning of this year, there were 30 skirmishes between the TNLA and the government. The TNLA spokesperson said his group would welcome a ceasefire if the peace process aims for a federal system.

The TNLA has already signed the draft agreement by ethnic armed groups participating in the nationwide ceasefire deal. They will also participate in the Hpa-an peace discussion, according to Tah Gyoke Jar.