Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) is making negotiations with Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS/SSA) to avoid clashes in Kadu area, Maukme Township in southern Shan State as forces of the RCSS intruded in the area in recent days, said Vice Chairman Khun Myint Tun of the PNLO.

“The RCSS forces intruded to Kadu area especially in Nahee. Both leaders cannot solve the problem yet. Large number of RCSS forces entered in the area. I don’t want to make remark about it to the media right now. We have some basic agreements with the RCSS before. We have to try not to have misunderstanding between us,” said the vice chairman.

Military tension between RCSS and PNLO occurred near Nahee village, where Pa-O races are living, in June, 2017. Locals run away from their homes as they were feared of fighting broke out.

However General Ywat Sitt, Chairman of the RCSS and Khun Myint Tun, who was Chairman of the PNLO at that time, had an agreement to solve the issue with peaceful ways in July, 2017.

Although large number of RCSS forces are operating in the area, the RCSS said it is their normal routine in the area, said Lt-Col Sai Oo, Spokesperson and Supervisor of Liaison Office (Taunggyi) for the RCSS.

However Khun Myint Tun said the RCSS forces entered in Kadu area with large number of soldiers and it is not normal routine in their view.

Both officials confirmed that skirmishes occurred between them in Mongpan Township, Linkhe District, southern Shan State on October 16 and casualties are reported for both sides.

Col. Khun Oakkar, Patron of the PNLO said the RCSS forces start fired at their troops before they made a contact with the commanders of the RCSS.