The Restoration Counsel for Shan State (RCSS), one of Myanmar’s strongest armed groups says it will do its best to prevent the outbreak of fighting during the election period. The comments were made by U Sai Oo, director of the group's liaison office in the Shan State capital Taunggyi.
Whether future battles occur rests largely on the Myanmar army and the government Sai Oo said. He made the remarks during a press conference on the nationwide ceasefire agreement that was recently signed by the RCSS which is also known as the Shan State Army - South (SSA-S).
Lieutenant General Yawd Serk leader of the RCSS who was also at the conference called for the army to avoid clashes.
“Our view is that the [Myanmar] Armed Forces must have the courage to change. They must have the courage to replace former methods with newer ones. We believe the military leaders have the desire to make changes,” U Yawd Serk said.
On 16 September, the RCSS issued an announcement telling political parties not to campaign in 16 townships under its territory and issued another announcement on 1October to tell the parties that they could do their campaigning because of better security in the area.
Courtesy BNI