In addition to the Military or Tatmadaw’s interference in blocking the meeting of Shan groups, under the banner of Committee for Shan State Unity (CSSU), in Chiang Mai and issuing a statement banning other organisations from using military ranks, military representative colonel Aung Myint Oo told the “Forum on Myanmar Democratic Transition,” on August 12, that the military has to be under the civilian government is a foreign, Western concept and not appropriate for the country like Burma, according to the BBC report.

Besides, the heightened offensives in Kachin and Shan States and reinforcement in Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army’s (RCSS/SSA) operational areas, which is a signatory of the NCA that has been clashing with the Military on and off, despite ceasefire agreement and participation in the 21st Century Panglong Conference, could be an indication that the Military might be banking on the military solution rather than political negotiation.

If this is really going to be the case and the indications are pointing to the escalation of ethnic conflict, there is not much hope that the 21st Century Panglong Conference could bring about the national reconciliation, peace and the establishment of a genuine federal union that the people has been waiting for so long, no matter how much the NLD would like to accommodate the said people’s aspirations.

Link to the story: Is the Tatmadaw toughening up on the peace process?