Sangkhlaburi -- Local civilians are facing more Burmese Army intrusions into the NMSP area that breach the 1995 NMSP ceasefire agreement, Kaowao has learned.

About 50 troops led by Lt Col. Tin Maung Maung from the Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) No. 407 has taken up a position at Ta Dein village situated along Three Pagodas Pass – Thanbyu Zayat motor road.  The area was designated for the New Mon State Party when they reached a cease-fire agreement with the Burmese government in 1995.

“The women in the village are harassed by the Burmese soldiers and husbands are returning home from working at other places,” said Blai Mon, a Ta Dein villager.  “The Burmese soldiers are infamous for gang raping and use women at will for intimidation and sex,” he added.

“The local villagers live under constant fear while the Burmese Army takes everything from knives, vegetables to livestock,” said a trader who arrived at the Thai Burma border recently.

Another troops from (LIB) No. 282, based in Yebyu of Tenasserim Division, also intruded into the Suwannaphom Village near the General Head Quarters of the NMSP in the 2nd week of January.

A senior leader of the NMSP expressed deep annoyance over the intrusions of the Burmese army:  “It is a sign of showing force and aggression against us after we criticized their Border Guard Force proposal.  We will stick to our side of the bargain and maintain the cease-fire agreement, but they (SPDC) should respect their word as well,” said the NMSP leader.

Meanwhile, NMSP President General Htow Mon told Kaowao that the NMSP is aware of the SPDC’s movements after they disagreed to the Border Guard Force proposal.  Caught between a rock and a hard spot on whether to show force or give in to the Burmese government, he is urging all the Mons to unite in solidarity and be on alert during the current tension between the Burmese Army and the NMSP.