In accordance to the 2008 constitution, Clause 338 in chapter VII, “Defence Services,” the Government attempted to transform ceasefire groups into state-controlled Border Guard Forces (BGF) subordinate to the military’s regional commanders before the 2010 elections. The failure of negotiating efforts led by Lt.Gen.Ye Myint beginning in April 2009 to convince the ceasefire groups to cede their power to manage their own affairs, is what many believe sparked government attacks on certain ethnic militia groups.
