Army-Eastern Shan State (NDAA-ESS), based at Mongla, opposite China’s Daluo, was “advised” yesterday by Naypyidaw’s chief negotiator to resign itself to the Border Guard Force (BGF) status, according to an informed source on the Thai-Burma border.

“We stand by the letter you wrote to us on 23 September,” Lt-Gen Ye Myint was quoted as saying.

According to the source, who had not seen the letter, Mongla had agreed to accept the BGF proposal as offered by Naypyidaw.
“It was largely a monologue, with all the Mongla people listening to Ye Myint, with scarcely an opportunity to express their opinions,” he said.

Practically all of Mongla’s own counter proposals were rejected by the junta, such as:
•    To become a militia force, where there will be no junta officers to run the show
•    To conduct the military trainings in Mongla territory
•    To include its Hsaleu (which, according to Naypyidaw, is in Mongyan township) and Nampan (which, according to Naypyidaw, is included in Mongyawng) in Mongla township

The Mongla leadership will be holding another meeting with its main ally United Wa State Army (UWSA) before making its final decision, said the source.

The question remains whether the Wa, who have lost their northern border with Kokang to the Burma Army, is ready to let go its southern border with Mongla.