PSLF/TNLA Condemns RCSS/SSA’s Act of Military Aggression Conjointly with Tatmadaw

Statement by the PSLF / TNLA | December 10, 2015

1. We, the Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF/TNLA), strongly condemn the RCSS/SSA’s act of military aggression, with the help of Myanmar Tatmadaw, by entering into Ta’ang Region, where battles have been raging between Tatmadaw and Ta’ang national army troops, as it is a setup that could lead to serious conflict between fellow ethnic nationalities.

2. After signing the NCA, the Southern Shan State Army, the RCSS/SSA, with the help of Myanmar government troops, has been expanding its troop presence constantly, in our Ta’ang Region. As the combining of forces with the Myanmar troops and engaging in area control operations, regardless of our repeated warnings, is an undertaking, which should not be done against a fellow nationality, we, the Ta’ang Army PSLF/TNLA, inevitably have to respond militarily.

3. The Southern Shan State Army, the RCSS/SSA, with a force of over 500 troops and by acquiring aid from Myanmar government army, has been launching expansion drive successively into PSLF/TNLA Brigade-2 Area in Mogok, Kyaukme and Namtsan Townships, Brigade-1 Area in Kutkai and Nam kham Townships, and Brigade-3 Area in Mantong and Momeik Townships. Clashes between the two sides have been happening constantly.

4. Our PSLF/TNLA has been endeavoring to reduce armed clashes, as much as possible, during the political transition period, between the time of 2015 election and the emergence new election-winning NLD government. However military clashes have become ferocious, because the RCSS/SSA, together with Myanmar Tatmadaw, has been performing to the gratification of Myanmar military leaders.

5. For that reason, we, the Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF/TNLA), declare our position that we strongly protest and condemn the act of current Myanmar Tatmadaw and Southern Shan State Army, RCSS/SSA, which have been working with concrete intention and primarily for prolonging more than ever the fire of Burma’s civil war, by launching aggressive military expansion.

 

Central Executive Committee

Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF)

Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA)