Reports: Kokang Army to withdraw from Theinni after China meets with northern groups

Mekong, July 15 Reports indicate that following China's meeting with northern groups, the Kokang Army (MNDAA) will return Theinni town to the military council and withdraw, according to sources. These reports have emerged after China invited members of the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC), comprised of northern armed groups, for a meeting. "We have not yet heard that the Kokang themselves have announced a withdrawal. However, information is emerging from groups associated with them that the Kokang will withdraw from Theinni. This news has surfaced after China met with the northern groups in Kunming, China," said a source close to the FPNCC. In early July, China invited all FPNCC members except the AA to Kunming for a meeting, and some groups were met with individually, according to sources. During these meetings, China urged the groups to participate in the military council's peace process, according to a source close to the FPNCC. Following these meetings, reports have emerged that the Kokang Army will hand over Theinni town to the military council, although the Kokang Army has not yet made any official statement. Furthermore, local residents report that the Kokang Army's administration in Theinni town is operating normally, and there are no signs of troops withdrawing. "Everything is operating normally so far. Just last week, they held a meeting and discussed what to do in the second six-month period," the source said. On July 14, the Kokang Army and the military council met in Lashio, and the Kokang Army released over 40 military trucks. The Kokang Army captured Theinni town from the military council during the 1027 operation. Currently, numerous Chinese businessmen are being brought in to implement projects within Theinni township.