The clashes taking place between Tatmadaw (defence services) and ethnic armed organisations are related to narcotic drugs, said Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun, Secretary of Tatmadaw True News Information Team.
The Northern Alliance formed with Ta,ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) released a statement on August 12, stating Tatmadaw should stop its military activities carried out in the northern Shan State and Rakhine State.
The statement said that Tatmadaw’s military activities is based on racial hatred and is arresting the people of Kokang, Rakhine and Ta,ang for different sections and that mutual trust between Tatmadaw and Northern Alliance is deteriorating. The Northern Alliance is in fear that further clashes will be escalating.
The clashes broke out between Tatmadaw and the AA displaced more than 60,000 residents and left many deaths. Tatmadaw is carrying out military activities in the northern Shan State, according to the statement.
We released announcements. We seized narcotic drugs and related items at the producing sites of narcotic drugs in Kutkai. For this we released the announcement. In connection with these, clashes have been increasing. The reason why clashes broke out has been known to all the organizations existing on this side. Even yesterday, the clashes broke out between Tatmadaw and TNLA and KIA combined force in Kutkai and Tarmonye. The clashes are all related to narcotic drugs, said Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun.
Tatmadaw announced at the end of June that the ceasefire was extended to next two months in five military commands. The next day Tatmadaw issued a statement, calling for participation in peace process. Especially it is necessary for the EAOs to be honest about peace process, said Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun.
Tatmadaw called for immediate peace talks intending to improve socio-economic life of the people during the period of the ceasefire. Peace will be built more strongly if it is done as Tatmadaw urged. If the live and property of the people are encroached, Tatmadaw will carry out necessary security operations, said Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun.
Translated and Edited by Win Htut
