Northern groups haven’t shown bona fide commitment to peace: Major General Zaw Min Tun
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Lynn/Munich (NP News) - Dec 9
Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for the State Administration Council (SAC), stated that the northern armed groups, who frequently announce their willingness to engage in political dialogue, have not yet demonstrated any intention to seek peace on the ground.
The northern ethnocentric armed insurgents, including the MNDAA (Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army) and TNLA (Ta'ang National Liberation Army), which have been intensifying battles in the northern Shan State, have frequently announced their willingness to engage in political discussions with the SAC government.
Regarding the northern groups, who have frequently announced their willingness to engage in political discussions, the Statesman journal contacted Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun for a response, and he replied as mentioned above.
Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun said, "Regarding the northern groups, we have mentioned when meeting with the Chinese Premier that they need to show practical actions for getting peace. These groups' statements about peace are only being issued because of their position and situation. In reality, there has been no demonstration or manifestation of the desire for peace yet."
He further stated that only when the northern armed groups, such as the MNDAA and TNLA, can practically demonstrate their genuine desire for peace, discussions and negotiations will be able to take place.
The combined forces of the Kokang armed group MNDAA and the Ta'ang armed group TNLA launched intense battles in the northern Shan region on October 27, 2023, under the name of Operation 1027.
During the operation, the northern armed groups were able to take control of towns such as Laukkai, Lashio, Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, and Mogok. However, the military responded forcefully with aerial bombardments, launching intense counterattacks.
Regarding the effectiveness of the military's intense airstrikes, Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun responded, "In some areas, there has generally been effectiveness. However, in certain areas, due to the delayed information we received, there have been some shortcomings in terms of timely response."
In recent days, while the military has paused its airstrikes on areas where MNDAA and TNLA members are located, there have been criticisms, as these groups have expressed heightened concerns.
On the other hand, the Chinese government has been exerting containment those insurgent groups by closing the border gates, which the northern armed groups rely on.
In the first week of December, the MNDAA, declared their desire to resolve the internal conflict through political means. Starting from December 3, the group announced that its members would immediately cease hostilities.
In the past, with China's mediation and facilitation, a ceasefire agreement, known as the Haigeng Agreement, was reached between the northern armed groups and the military. However, the MNDAA and TNLA have a history of breaking this agreement despite its formalization.