Clashes broke out between the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) and the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) for the first time this year near Nam Tut village in Kunhing Township.

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According RCSS’s Facebook page Tai Freedom, about 100 SSPP soldiers attacked the RCSS in Loilem District in southern Shan State between 11am and 2pm on Thursday 2 March.

Last July, the two Shan forces fought in Lawksawk Township, Taunggyi District, causing many civilians to flee their homes.

The RCSS has signed the so-called Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement where the SSPP has not, but both groups have signed union-level ceasefires under the previous Thein Sein administration.

RCSS Chair Yawd Serk recently visited Naypyidaw to meet with regime leaders.

SSPP leaders have also visited the capital and met with regime leader Min Aung Hlaing in January. The armed group is a member of the Federal Political Negotiation Consultative Council with United Wa State Army, National Democratic Alliance Army, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army, the Arakan Army, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Kachin Independence Army.

SHAN has repeatedly called SSPP and RCSS spokespersons for comment about the recent fighting but no one responded.