Tatmadaw (defence services) will try to work to secure the release of those who were arrested by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Office of Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services said.
The official announcement of the Tatmadaw stated that some 150 members of the MNDAA stationed themselves scattering on the hills, near Panghone, Tarshaukte and Phattu villages, about 10,000 meter distant from the southwest of Kunlon, northern Shan State. Some 25 members in plain clothes went to administrators’ houses in Kyankyarkyaing, Panghone, Tarshaukte and Phattu villages and they held discussions with them over minor recruitments and then they arrested Zee Thway Shan, Zee Shauk Kyone, Kyanshaukywan, Wailauktel, Shan Phu and Oo Si without showing apparent reasons.
A total of 455 residents—200 males and 255 females—from Kyankyarkyaing and its environs fled to the village library and the house of village administrator in Holi village, Kunlon on January 7.
Similarly, about 50 members of the TNLA entered Tarkunt and Pangmaung villages on January 4. 18 villagers were arrested for giving reason to grow opium, according to the announcement of the Office of Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services.
In connection with the case, the Daily Eleven newspaper made several contacts to the spokespersons of the TNLA, but unsuccessful.
The Tatmadaw is making utmost efforts to restore peace. To be able to conduct negotiations on peace, the Office of Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services issued an announcement on ceasefire and eternal peace on December 21 in 2018. The Tatmadaw totally stopped all military activities, but the MNDAA and the TNLA bullied indigenous people, disturbed the machinery of the government and made attempts to harm life and property of the people and the interest of the people. For these reasons, the Tatmadaw must take necessary measures to secure the release of those who were arrested by the MNDAA and the TNLA.
Translated and Edited by Win Htut
