President vows to defend Myanmar's territory

After honouring the spirit of soldiers who were wounded in previous battles with the enemies, he stressed that it was the military personnel of successive eras who fought many historic battles to defend the country.

The president also presided over a ceremony to award cash worth Ks90 million to the families of fallen and wounded officers and Ks10 million to wounded soldiers.

Since fighting started on February 9 between the government troops and combined forces of Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Arakan Army, nearly 50 government soldiers have been killed and over 70 wounded, the military announced. 

Thousands of local residents and civil servants have fled from the ongoing clashes in Laukkai areas since last week. On weekend, they reached Lashio Township. They are taking shelter in Buddhist monasteries and schools.

Meanwhile, the number of civil servants, including families of police and military personnel, has also reached over 1,000 with some going home.

As of February 15, some 4,000 have fled clash areas. The number will only rise, said rescue workers. On February 14, three school teachers were killed during their flee from the region as their car overturned.

Some 300 refugees are now taking refuge at the Thiri Mingala Mansu Shan monastery and 21 at Mansu Bamar monastery. 

"After the fighting started, they travelled in whatever military vehicles were available and fled to Lashio. Some used garbage trucks and motorcycles. Most walked so social organisations and charities have been taking them to the town by car and auto-rickshaws. Refugee camps were opened and food, clothes and money collected. I haven't seen anyone injured by the fighting," Nay Myo of Lashio, who has been helping the refugees. 

Residents and the traffic police have also been aiding the refugees by arranging special transport to Mandalay with over 30 trucks that have returned from sending goods to Muse.

"I heard from the refugees that the fighting is still intense in Laukkaing. I saw the authorities inspecting the refugees. Our internet connection is down and the phone lines are not working well," Nay Myo continued.

Despite the latest flare up of violence, the government, military and four ethnic armed groups signed a commitment Thursday to continue talks, laying out an aim to build a union with "federal principles". The others agreed to consider the proposal.

The Wa representative Aung Myint said “We do not have good transport networks or economic development since we are near the China border. Most of us do not speak Myanmar’s language. We have to rely on China for trade. That’s why we can’t speak the language. We had to report to our headquarters first so we couldn’t sign yesterday.”

Last week, after attending Union Day celebration ceremony, the leaders also had an hour-long meeting with military chiefs, led by Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. The latest clashes were discussed.

“The commander-in-chief mainly focused on the three national policies of the military: peace and stability; development and unity. He also said the military would stick to multiparty democracy,” said Khun Myint Tun, chairman of the Pao National Liberation Organisation. 

Colonel Sai La, spokesperson of the Shan State Army, said: “Peace is our main discussion point. We will cooperate with others for national reconciliation. The military also promised to try to help. It was a good meeting because understanding was built between the military and ethnic armed groups. The more we meet, the more we can reduce suspicions.”