CNI News

10 Sept 2022

The military activities of the Restoration Council of Shan State/ Shan State Army have been dormant in Northern Shan State, according to local residents.

The RCSS withdrew its troops from Northern Shan State but it is still active in Southern Shan State and there were some armed conflicts involving it recently, U Min Naung, a resident of Kyaukme told the CNI.

RCSS troops. (Tai Freedom)

He said, “The RCSS withdrew its troops from Northern Shan State and returned to areas under its control in Eastern Shan State. It did not withdraw form Northern and Southern Shan permanently. They involved in some clashes in Southern Shan State. So, there were some complaints about them like conscription, territorial control and taxation at the border between Southern and Eastern Shan State. They are penetrating into Southern Shan State. However, we heard nothing about them in Northern Shan State.

Clashes broke out between the RCSS and the Shan State Progressive Party/SSA near Loihorn mountain in Kyethi Township as of 1st June 2021 but the RCSS withdrew its troops from the area during the second week of July.

Similarly, military activities of the RCSS were not seen in some townships in Southern Shan State including Mongyai and Lechar, a resident of Mongyai told the CNI.

Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing meets Gen Yawd Serk.

He said, “I think there are no RCSS troops in our area including Mongyai, Lechar and Kyethi but I am not sure. I don’t know whether they are still active in other townships. I think they have returned to Eastern Shan State.”
The RCSS has temporarily stopped recruitment since 3rd September, 2022.

The temporary halt of recruitment is commendable but it should also stop levying taxes and hold peace talks with other Shan armed organizations instead of the Tatmadaw, a Shan politician said.

The RCSS is an ethnic armed organization and signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement.