Mai Rupa, Dec 1, Kyaukme
A fighting broke out between the junta’s military troops and the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) in Pon Woe Village, Kyaukme Township, northern Shan State, according to a statement released by the SSPP on Saturday.
According to the statement, fighting began around 1 p.m. on November 29 when a junta’s military unit consists of around 100 troops launched an offensive against the SSPP positions. The clashes continued until roughtly 3 p.m.
Furthermore, the SSPP statement indicated that junta troops used drone attacks in addition to ground forces during the fighting.
Pon Woe Village is located on the road connecting Kyaukme and Lawksawk Townships in southern Shan State. While the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) was controlling Kyaukme town, SSPP forces controlled the areas around Nawng Pein and Pon Woe.
A resident of Nawng Pein told Shwe Phee Myay that, following the junta’s recapture of Kyaukme town, the authorities are refusing to allow the SSPP to administer Nawng Pein Village, where the where the group was previously based, leading to military tension between the two forces.
“The junta’s military asked the SSPP troops based in Ye Ywar to relocate their camp. The SSPP refused. The SSPP also requested to retake their administrative control of Nawng Pein, but the junta declined. Now, the SSPP is gathering and deploying forces in the Nawng Pein area,” he said.
Furthermore, reports have circulated that the fighting erupted due to the junta’s attempts to arrest online scam gangs operating in foothill villages, including Upper Ye Ywar, which is under SSPP control.
“There is a scam center in the Yae Ywar area. This has been known for some time. When the TNLA controlled Kyaukme, the area around Nawng Pein was under SSPP authority. Now that the junta has retaken it, they are essentially pressuring the SSPP to reduce their forces by denying them administrative control,” he added.
Regarding circulating reports of scam centers in Nawng Pein area—including Upper Ye Ywar and foothill villages under SSPP control—Shwe Phee Myay is currently seeking comment from SSPP spokespersons.
In a statement issued on November 13, the SSPP said it would take special measures to ensure that no scam gangs to operate within its controlled territories.
Translated by #KLT
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