In an effort to resolve the conflict between the Myanmar army (Tatmadaw) and the New Mon State Party (NMSP), the NMSP is continuing its efforts to participate in a state-level Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Committee (JMC-S) for the Karen State and Tanintharyi Region.
“We have requested the government to include us in the JMC-S for the Karen State and Tanintaryi region, but we are not yet permitted to join. If an incident like the one in Palaing Japan happened again then who will be responsible to handle it? It is important. Therefore, we will keep asking permission to join the JMC-S,” said Nai Aung Ma Ngae of the New Mon State Party Central Political Affairs division.
The Tatmadaw and Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) attempted to enter the NMSP permanent military base in the last week of November without prior permission. The NMSP has accused the Myanmar Army [Tatmadaw] of violating the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).
Without any NMSP presence at the state-level cease firing monitoring committee, it is difficult to see how to effectively resolve the presence of the Tatmadaw in the Mon ethnic permanent military base area.
Nai Aung Ma Ngae added that “the military issues are directly related to the JMC. How will we be able to prevent conflicts if there is a problem? How can it be resolved and how to do it well? JMC has to deal with all of these issues.”
During a recent political panel discussion hosted by the Mon News Agency, a retired army officer, who is now a chief editor of the Ye Taw Win newsletter, U Aung Naing Win, pointed out “the KNU has been included to participate in the JMC-S for the Karen, Tanintharyi, including the Mon and Bago after the NCA was signed. However, the NMSP is only permitted to join JMC-S for Mon State, but not in Karen State and Tanintharyi region where [Myanmar] military bases are located. Therefore, I would like to ask if ethnic armed groups, all signatory groups of the NCA are being treated equally?”
The New Mon State Party (NMSP) has two district offices and 3 battalions in Karen State and one district office and 2 Battalions in Tanintharyi Region. According to the agreement with the government, 19 places have been designated for NMSP permanent bases.
