Casualties were reported in a clash between the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) and the Pa-O National Liberation Organization/Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLO/PNLA) in Mawkmai Township, Langkho District, Shan State.
Fighting between the two sides broke out near Nampartet village in Narhee village tract in Mawkmai Township on 3 April.
Major Khan San, spokesman for the RCSS/SSA, told the Shan Herald that the PNLO/PNLA started the fighting.
“A column of our army camped near Nampartet, then PNLO soldiers came and opened fire on us. After they retreated, our troops seized some military equipment. Apparently, they retreated with some casualties,” Major Khan San told the Shan Herald.
Local sources said there were casualties during the skirmish, which took place between 11 am and 12 pm, but Major Kam San said the RCSS/SSA did not suffer any casualties.
“There were no injuries or deaths on our side. What we can say is that we found evidence on the route indicating that they (PNLO) had casualties,’ Major Kham Sai told Shan Herald.
However, the People’s Voice reported that the skirmish resulted in at least eight deaths on the RCSS/SSA side and three injuries on the PNLO/PNLA side.
Major Khan San also said that the PNLO/PNLA used 160mm mortars, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and machine guns.
“I think they knew the place where our soldiers were taking a break. That’s why they came and fired at us on purpose. Heavy weapons like 160mm mortars are not usually used unless it is a big battle,” Major Kham San said.
The clash between RCSS/SSA and PNLO – signatories of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) – cannot affect the path to peace through political talks.
Both RCSS/SSA and PNLO/PNLA remain in peace talks with the military council.
The two armed groups also clashed last year in the Kadu Gyi area of Mawkmai Township.
Since the RCSS/SSA and PNLO/PNLA are ethnic groups that have coexisted in Shan State for many years, the RCSS/SSA will try to avoid clashes as much as possible and continue to try to resolve the issue through dialogue, according to the RCSS/SSA’s news page, Tai Freedom.
Sent by the Shan Herald.