The regime’s armed forces have again issued an ultimatum to the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) to withdraw from southern Shan Shan. This time it is claimed that the armed Shan group must leave to prevent disruption of the government’s so-called anti-narcotic campaign in the Sa Ning – Hpoung Hseng area of western Panglong Township.

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An SSPP officer from Sa Ning, who spoke to SHAN on condition of anonymity, said the military sent the order on 19 December, the same day the government planned its announced anti-drug operation until 3 January. “Even though they have asked us to leave the area, we have no plans to withdraw. If they attack us, we will fire back,” he says.

In July, the armed group ignored the military’s order to abandon their camps in Monghsu Township.

SHAN has tried several times to reach SSPP spokespersons Maj Phone Han and Col Sai Hsu for their comments, but they have not responded.

In early 2022, the SSPP sent troops to Sa Ning and Hpoung Hseng, where they clashed with the Restoration Council of Shan State in Sa Ning and Hpoung Hseng. In northern Shan State, the SSPP last fought the regime in Mongmit Township in October and Hsipaw Township in November.

Although the SSPP participated in so-called peace talks this year with Min Aung Hlaing, unlike the other armed groups that met with the regime leader in Naypyidaw, it has not signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement nor given no indication that it wants to do so. However, the SSPP did sign a bilateral ceasefire with Thein Sein’s government in 2012.