Territorial management and disputes main obstacles for peace process: JMC-U Secretary

Published 24 December 2018

Reported by EMG

Despite ethnic armed forces getting on board with the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), they are still unable to set defined territories such as ceasefire areas and controlled areas. These are the big challenges of peace process according to Joint Monitoring Committee at Union Level Secretary (1) Dr. Shwe Kharr.

He claimed so at a separate interview with the NCA-S-EAO Office, saying also that relocation of battalions stationed currently in conflict areas also a big issue for peace process.

“There are five primary challenges of the JMC. The first thing is that we couldn’t designate ceasefire areas. When discussing on details of the NCA, it’s generally said that designating neutral territories will be made later. The next thing is controlled areas. Both sides need to define controlled areas in order to avoid unnecessary conflict when moving troops around as they would have to inform the respective authoritative organization in advance.There are no specific controlled areas designated yet. The other thing is that we have to arrange for the relocation of battalions stationed in places where clashes frequently occur,” said Dr. Shwe Kharr.

Moreover, communication routes between basic level commanders have not be set up yet. The above mentioned points are stated in the chapter (3) of NCA. The next challenge, after solving the above given quandaries, is for civilian protection.

It was said that there were some misunderstandings when discussing civilian protection at peace talks.

Ethnic armed forces such as the Karen National Union (KNU) and the Shan State Restoration Council (RCSS) have temporarily ceased their involvement in the UPDJC and JMC meetings. The need settle territorial boundaries and clear-cut definition of certain agreements are a major reason why both KNU and the RCSS had stood aside.

However, both KNU and RCSS have said that they will take part in informal meetings in order to solve these issues first.

“We are seeking ways to hold a meet. We have yet to see any initiatives taken by the government side in regards to this but in the meanwhile, JMC is considering what should be done”, said Dr. Shwe Kharr.