The news of RCSS and TNLA armed clashes in Namkham the area of  northern Shan State is an unpleasant one for the people of Shan State.

It is unfortunate that the two armed resistance forces, supposed to cooperate in the struggle for the right of the Shan State self-determination against the Burmese military occupation, are killing each other.

As it is important to be mindful of the big picture, the TNLA and RCSS should end this unnecessary head on military clashes, by hook or by crook.

At least, these two Shan State resistance forces owe the People of Shan State this much to stop this nonsense.

The Tai should remember Khun Pan Sein, the Palaung Sao Hpa, who declared and signed the proclamation of “Shan National Flag” and the making of a “Shan Nation” out of the former Federated Shan States in 1947, which the Palaung State is also a part, including Wa, Kokang, Pa-O, Danu States under the then hereditary rulers of their own.

It will do all of us good if we don’t lost sight of this historical fact and duty, in our daily political and military navigation.

Khurtaikornkhaw