Discipline violation such as movements in other area, collecting extortion money and new recruits brought about the clashes between Tatmadaw and Ta,ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Maj-Gen Soe Naing Oo, Chairman of Tatmadaw True News Information Team.
The remarks of the Chairman of Tatmadaw True News Information Team came from his reply to the question of The Daily Eleven at the press conference held by Tatmadaw True News Information Team in Nay Pyi Taw on July 23.
“There were 25 times of clashes between Tatmadaw and TNLA within seven months. The reason why the clashes broke out was due to discipline violation. TNLA violated bilateral rules and that they went beyond set limits, resulting in the clashes with us. They collected extortion money for seven times and carried out the recruitment of new members for 16. These violations led to clashes with us,” said Maj-Gen Soe Naing Oo.
“Tatmadaw told these EAOs not to extend their controlled-area and enlarge their strength. We told these EAOs not to bully local ethnics, disrupt law and order, collect extortion money and recruit new members. Our clashes with them are intended to drive them back when they go beyond the set limits,” said Maj-Gen Soe Naing Oo.
Tatmadaw stopped fighting with EAOs in five military commands from June 16 to July 23 in 2019 and that had no clashes between Tatmadaw and the EAOs. The EAOs went beyond the set limits, collected extortion money and carried out the recruitments of new members, said Maj-Gen Soe Naing Oo.
“The clashes broke out between Tatmadaw and TNLA for 97 times within seven months and those between EAOs for 45 times. The EAOs went beyond the set limits for 585 times and collected extortion money for 66 times. New members were recruited for 86 times, said Maj-Gen Soe Naing Oo.
During the official ceasefire, the EAO going beyond the set limits the most is TNLA with 207 times, the EAO collecting extortion money the most is RCSS/SSA with 31 times and the EAO recruiting new members the most is RCSS/SSA with 27 times, Maj-Gen Soe Naing Oo.
“Clash occurrence is on the decrease during the ceasefire in five military commands within seven months, especially there was no serious fighting. Our Tatmadaw welcome such positive approach. We can do for the EAOs to politically discuss peace, stability, security and developments,” said Maj-Gen Soe Naing Oo.
Translated and Edited by Win Htut
