Provisional Government and LDU splinter group of Lahu people discuss for Triangle Region Command based in Kengtung

It has been learned from their statement that the provisional government troops and the splinter group of the Lahu Democratic Union (LDU) held discussions regarding the Kengtung region, which is based in the Triangle Region Command and is preparing defense fortifications to defend against resistance movements. The provisional government's National Solidarity and Peace Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) met with the delegation led by LDU splinter chairman Cha Saw Mon, who holds the title of Wunna Kyaw Htin, in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday, July 24. The provisional government stated that during the meeting, discussions were held on plans for the future of the Lahu people, socio-economic development of Lahu ethnic people in the Shan State (Eastern), Kengtung-Panwai-Waili region based in the Triangle Region Command, and Arabica coffee cultivation. Furthermore, it was stated that discussions were held on improving transportation, access to electricity and water, technical support from coffee technicians, obtaining seeds and inputs, and issues such as narcotics and online fraud (Kyarpant), and that necessary measures would be taken in accordance with existing laws. It is known that the Panwai and Waili regions within Kengtung Township, based in the Triangle Region Command of Shan State (Eastern), are areas where the provisional government troops and their affiliated Lahu People's Militia are actively and strongly controlling, and military, security, and social tensions are increasing. In addition, after losing a large amount of territory in northern Shan State due to the "1027" operation, the provisional government is preparing defense fortifications by utilizing the Lahu People's Militia on the Panwai-Waili mountain routes to defend Kengtung city and the Triangle Region Command. Similarly, the Panwai-Waili regions are located near the controlled territories of the Mong La Army (NDAA) and the "Wa" Army (UWSA), and while some clashes have occurred, the provisional government troops and the People's Militia are arresting ethnic minority youths, including Lahu, within the region, according to regional news. Due to pressure and recruitment for military service and enlistment, local youths are fleeing, and checkpoints have been increased on the routes around Kengtung city and Panwai-Waili, with strict monitoring of goods and public movement. The Lahu Democratic Union (LDU) has signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and has decided not to engage in contact and discussions due to the military coup, but it is known that the current visiting Cha Saw Mon is the secretary, and they have expelled him. Similarly, because he visited Nay Pyi Taw and engaged in contact and discussions, the provisional government president and military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, awarded him the Wunna Kyaw Htin title, stating that he has served the country and its citizens with outstanding distinction during the 75 years since Myanmar's independence. Since then, the splinter group led by chairman Cha Saw Mon has been officially used as the LDU group, and while being invited to Nay Pyi Taw for discussions under the pretext of peace, observers point out that the provisional government troops are also trying in various ways to absorb them as affiliated Lahu People's Militia. Photo: MOI