Not So Quiet on the Eastern Front

The Irrawaddy's Ko Htwe speaks to Col. Sai Htoo, the general-secretary (2) of the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) about the breakdown four months ago of the ceasefire in Kachin State, and the ongoing conflict between the group's military wing, the Shan State Army (SSA), and Burmese government forces.

Question: How did the peace agreement fall through?

Answer: We accepted peace in the hope of solving problems in political ways. Just like when former Gen Khin Nyunt promised that negotiations would lead to the development of the region. However, after his removal the situation changed. When the government was compiling the 2008 constitution, we were also attending the National Convention where we advocated peace, democracy, peace and development. But all of our advice was neglected. After that, the government tried to convert our army into a Border Guard Force.

Q: What is the current situation between the SSA and the government troops?

A: The latest situation is that Naypyidaw sent an olive branch through two monks from Kyesi Township, inquiring whether the SSA wanted peace or not. Their message was that if the SSA wanted peace it would stop fighting. But we were not convinced who sent those monks. We questioned whether they were sent from the commander-in-chief or from the government of Shan State. They did not have anything concrete—no documents or evidence—so it was hard for us to take them seriously.

But we want peace. We have urged the government troops to retreat from our area, but they have not responded to date.

Q: How would you describe the current conflict between the SSA and the Burmese army on the ground?

A: Continuous clashes have been ongoing. They are not serious clashes. We defend our camps through guerrilla warfare and attack those who advance on us.

Q: What is the current status of your headquarters in Wan Hai?

A: Government troops have surrounded our headquarters. No one is moving forward or retreating. We are ready to repel them if they attack us.

Q: Some news and reports said government troops are around 400m from the headquarters of the SSA/ SSPP?

A: That is correct. Our frontline is about two furlongs [440 yards] from the Mongshu- Mongnang highway, which is where the Tatmadaw has advanced to.

Q: I have heard rumors that the SSA/SSPP headquarters will soon fall.

A: All those reports are false. Our headquarters is secure. The government is circulating these reports in order to encourage their troops. It's just a form of psychological warfare.

Q: So are you saying that Wan Hai will not fall into enemy hands?

A: It's hard to say. We have to protect our camp. We will defend it against all offensives. Time will tell.

Q: Reports have come in that aircraft bombing was taking place. Is that true?

A: Last week, aircraft flew over our camp. Some of our troops said that the planes tried to bomb the camp, but I cannot confirm whether this is true or not because I was not there. In the last five days, we have received news that around seven aircraft were going to bomb our headquarters. They didn't, but I don't know why. I heard it may have been because of bad weather.

Q: Some reports said that government forces used chemical weapons during clashes with your troops. Can this be confirmed?

A: In June, we clashed with Light Infantry Battalion 33. I assume they employed that kind of weapon because they could not penetrate our defenses. The strange thing is that when they fired their weapons at us, black smoke came pouring out. Some of our troops vomited. Some felt itchy and had headaches. I assume it was due to chemical weapons, but we are investigating.

Q: When government troops launched an offensive in the Wan Hai region there was news that government troops used villagers as porters and in some cases, rapes took place.