While around 50 members of RCSS/SSA was extorting money on Union Road section between Mongpyin and Kengtung in eastern Shan State, an accident occurred on February 12 evening in which ¼-ton military vehicle carrying two commanding officers en route from Taunggyi to Kengtung after the completion of their temporary assigned duties was stopped at estimated map reference (ND-218623) and items from the vehicle were seized.

The RCSS/SSA signed Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) on October 15 in 2015. It is an armed organization that has been warned several times against the violation of the provisions since the NCA signing. With the aim of achieving lasting peace, the Tatmadaw made a unilateral ceasefire in five military commander areas by issuing a statement on ceasefire and eternal peace on December 21 in 2018. Moreover, the warning was issued to obey the statement on ceasefire and eternal peace on January 26 in 2019.

The action, despite being aware of the Tatmadawmen and military items is a huge opposite challenge to eternal peace. The Tatmadaw has informed the RCSS/SSA to give back military items taken from the military officers without delay after violating the agreements and statements. If not so, necessary action will be taken. Actions will be also taken against the military officers in accord with military disciplines for carrying out the duties with the lack of security awareness during the unilateral ceasefire period including peace process.  

Translated and Edited by Win Htut