Introduction

The frictions arising from territorial disputes among allies like Shan State Progressive Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) and Palaung State Liberation Front/Ta’ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA), PSLF/TNLA and Kachin Independence Organization/ Kachin Independence Army (KIO/KIA), KIO/KIA and Myanmar National Truth and Justice Party/ Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNTJP/MNDAA) and MNTJP/MNDAA and SSPP/SSA, have reached the political table of the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC). Although the allied forces have cleared all battalions, camps, outposts of the military council and its pillars in northern Shan State, which is home to diverse ethnic population groups, frictions between allies, which need to be handed and resolved with caution , have grown steadily.

This week, BNI-Myanmar Peace Monitor’s bi-weekly news review highlights the frictions between the allied resistance forces in northern Shan State, based on events and incidents.

Background

It could be partially true that the frictions are considered a side effect of success. These frictions originated from “Operation 1027”. The “Operation 1027,” launched by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, gained significant momentum and achieved military success with the swift destruction of the military council forces and their infrastructure within a short period of time. This success was accompanied by the problems that need to be carefully addressed. From 27 October 2023, when the operation was launched, to 10 January 2024, the 3BHA and allied forces successfully captured hundreds of the junta’s military camps and 18 towns in northern Shan State.

The MNDAA captured nine towns: Chin Shwe Haw, Phaunghsai, Kyu Koke (Pang Hseng), Theinni, Monekoe, Kunglong, Konegyan, Mawhtike and Laukkai. At the same time, the PSLF/ TNLA captured seven towns: Monglon, Namhsan, Namkham, Mongton, Namtu, Mong Ngaw and Kutkai. The UWSA took control of captured Hopan and Pan Long in the military operation area.

The MNTJP/MNDAA-Kokang, led by U Phone Tar Shwin (U Phone Tar Yin) have activated the mechanisms such as administration, security, judiciary and public services following the formation of the Shan State Special Region-1 Administration Committee based on their captured territories. Similarly, the PSLF/ TNLA led by General Tar Aik Phone attempted to run the administrative mechanism following field trips and meetings with the public in the captured territories.

So, despite being allied forces, territorial disputes and frictions have led to clashes among the existing EROs, MNDAA, and TNLA in some of the 18 captured towns.

Frictions between allied forces

On the morning of 11 January 2024, the MNTJP/MNDAA held a meeting with locals in Panhsaing (Kyu Koe) and issued five important directives. The directives are: (1) not to record the meeting and the movements of Kokang force and post them on the internet; (2) not to allow KIA and SSPP soldiers to enter the town if they are in military uniforms and carry weapons; (3) to return the guns kept in their homes as soon as possible; (4) to supply one person from each household to serve in the army; and (5) to guard the entrances and exits of the town and administrative offices. 1

From the evening of 26 March 2024 until the afternoon of 27 March, a clash occurred between the SSPP/SSA and the MNDAA near Seiau village, Kone Nyaung village and Pan Nar villages in Theinni Township. In response to the clash, the SSPP/ SSA issued a statement that the issue will be resolved only through dialogue. 2

At 9 pm on 7 July 2024, the TNLA dropped bombs on the place where SSPP/SSA was stationed near Loke Par police station in Naung Pein village-tract in Kyaukme Township. On 5 July, the clashes took place between the SSPP/SSA and TNLA near Naung Pein village in Kyaukme Township and Kyankhin village in Thibaw Township. On the night of 8 July, the TNLA called upon the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC) to intervene urgently, alleging that the SSPP is obstructing the military operations of “Operation 1027″ Part-2 conducted by the 3BHA. In its statement, the TNLA said the SSPP facilitated the handover of camps and the transport of junta soldiers and provided escape routes for them when the resistance forces were attacking the camps in Thibaw and Kyaukme Townships, and the junta was going to surrender its camps, during Part-2 of ” Operation 1027″. In addition, the TNLA said that negotiations had taken place between leaders of the military council and the SSPP even before the commencement of the operation. 3

In April 2024, the MNDAA sealed off an office of KIO/KIA in Monekoe and prohibited the preperation for the construction of a hall in the traditional Manaw ground by Kachin Literature and Culture. 4

On the night on 23 June, a military column of around 40 members from PSLF/TNLA arrived at the middle school in Galeng village in Kutkai Township, which was being prepared for reopening with the permission of KIO/KIA. They closed the school’s main door and drove teachers and their families out of the school and took down the Kachin National flag in front of the school. Negotiations between both parties are ongoing to facilitate the reopening of the school. 5

Resolving the situation with knowledge and caution

The leaders of the KIA and the TNLA have reassured the public that there is no need to worry about the issues on the ground between them. 6 A KIO officer from Manton said, “It’s a minor issue. Our seniors are engaged in daily discussions, so there is no need for the public to worry. There won’t be any shootings or clashes between us. We coordinate to resolve ground disputes. It’s not a big problem.”

The military conflict and disputes between the SSPP/SSA and the PSLF/TNLA were also resolved through the mediation of the FPNCC on 13 July. Lway Yay Oo, Spokesperson of the TNLA said, “On 13 July, the FPNCC convened our two groups for a meeting. In this discussion, disputes and friction between the two sides have been resolved. Both sides will be cautious to avoid frictions and attacks in the future.” 7

Northern Shan State holds great significance. It is home to diverse ethnic groups. Many EROs are active there. Two or three EROs are active in some areas. As a result, there have been frequent frictions and clashes in northern Shan State.

However, it is noted that the methods and approaches to achieving political goals, such as ending the military dictatorship and establishing a federal democratic union, vary among different groups. Similarly, there are no EROs that are willing to accept the military coup led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

On 10 July, the TNLA attacked the junta’s camps in Mankat and Manpat villages in Tangyan Township in northern Shan State. On the night of the same day, troops of the United Wa State Army (UWSA) entered Tangyan and prepared to take control of the town. UWSA’s Spokesperson U Nyi Rang said the aim is to prevent the escalation of conflict into Tangyan region. 8

Likewise, on 12 July, the members of the SSPP/SSA entered and positioned in Mongyal town, citing that it was to ensure regional stability and security in Mongyal Township. The MNDAA and allied forces are conducting offensive against the military council forces in Mongyal Township. 9

Review

The resistance war aimed at overthrowing the junta and ending the military dictatorship is akin to dismantling all junta camps across the country through comprehensive cleansing efforts. Military council camps are vulnerable to offensive attacks by resistance forces. Likewise, the momentum of “Operation 1027” Part-2 is poised to move from northern Shan State to Mandalay and Sagaing Regions. The joint activities of the EROs and battalions ands units under the command of the NUG are now clearly visible.

It is likely to see more disputes arising over territorial autonomy under the slogan “My Land, My Region, as the military conflict area expands. What could be a solution to the frictions between allies on the FPNCC’s table? The sure point is that it can be concluded that efforts will be made to find a solution to the frictions and disputes among allied forces to prevent escalation into military conflict. Efforts to contain the escalation of conflict in places like Tangyan and Mongyal appear to be on the right track. However, there remains room for further improvement in negotiations and collaboration than now.

It must be said that all resistance forces, including the FPNCC, have a responsibility to demonstrate through practical actions that the frictions between resistance forces in northern Shan State are not insurmountable problems.

1 Armed SSPP and KIA soldiers are not allowed to enter Pang Hseng, Shan News, 13 February 2024
2 Clash occurs between MNDAA and SSPP/SSA in northern Shan State, KNG, 28 March 2024
3 TNLA announces SSPP is disrupting Operation 1027 and calls for FPNCC’s mediation, Mizzima, 8 July 2024
4 MNDAA seals off KIO office in Monekoe, bans the construction of a hall in Kachin Manaw ground, KNG, 26 April 2024
5 School committee, TNLA still negotiating to open a Galeng school, KNG, 24 June 2024
6 Two armed groups said that there is no need to worry about the recent conflict between the KIA and the TNLA, KNG, 20 June 2024
7 TNLA says conflict with SSPP has been resolved, RFA, 17 July 2024
8 Thousands of Wa troops have arrived in Tangyang, VOA, 11 July 2024
9 SSPP troops take up positions in Mongyal, RFA, 13 July 2024