Renewed clashes between Myanmar army and SSA

Renewed clashes between Myanmar army and SSA

Published on Wednesday, 26 June 2013 21:08

There have been renewed clashes between the Myanmar army and ethnic armed group Shan State Army (SSA), the armed wing of Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP), according to a spokesperson of Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD).

About 100 people are reportedly taking shelter in a Buddhist monastery after the clashes occurred in some areas of Kyaythee township, northern Shan state on June 20 and 21.

"The refugees are not taking shelter in the downtown areas. They are in the Wanpein Monastery, which has to arrange for their meals. The affected areas are in the jungles but they fled in fear," said a local resident from Kyaythee township.

The local also said more clashes happened on June 23 in Shiwanwit village-tract of the township and there were reports of firing heavy weapons by the government army. Some homes were damaged but there were no causalities in the clashes.

SNLD Spokesman Sai Lait said the refugees sent a letter to SSPP/SSA complaining that the government army had taken two out of them. SSPP therefore contacted SNLD by phone to inform the government's union peacemaking committee of the issue.

SNLD will work out the problem together with the peace committee if it receives an official letter from SSPP, he added.

After the government and SSA reached a ceasefire agreement in January 2012, a spate of clashes occurred between them. More than 1000 local people left their homes after the clashes started in Tangyan on March 28 this year.

The renewed clashes have occurred after the government's peace group and SSPP reached a four-point agreement on May 11.

SSPP/SSA confirmed the clashes but answered no details when contacted by the Daily Eleven.

 

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/06/27/renewed-clashes-between-myanmar-army-and-ssa/