For Lashio to Be Returned, Proper Negotiations Are Needed for Kokang
Arakha Times (23–November- 2024)
The military council must offer fair and adequate terms if it wants the Kokang troops to return Lashio, the headquarters of the Northeastern Regional Military Command, according to Colonel Khun Oakka, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S). He made this statement to Arakha Times.
Colonel Khun Oakka emphasized that since the Kokang troops endured heavy losses and sacrifices to seize Lashio, they are unlikely to return the city unless proper negotiations are conducted.
“It’s possible if fair terms are met, but there must be significant reciprocity. They suffered to take the city, so returning it would require proportional terms. It’s not as simple as saying, ‘Take back this empty city.’ Proper negotiations have substantial meaning here. I don’t know the specifics, but examples could include granting Kokang State an upgrade to provincial-level governance or increasing its autonomy and rights. I believe there needs to be fair compensation. If there’s no fair agreement, it’s unlikely the Kokang troops would return the city, as they’ve already endured much to take it. Basic exchanges won’t suffice; proper terms must be negotiated,” he said.
On November 18, reports surfaced that Kokang leader Peng Daxun (Peng Tashun) was arrested and detained by Chinese authorities. However, conflicting claims have been made regarding the truth of this report.
Peng Tashun had visited Yunnan Province, China, in October to meet with a Chinese special envoy. Following his refusal to withdraw from Lashio, he was reportedly detained, according to emerging reports.
China is pressuring Kokang troops to return Lashio to the military council, while the military council has also been launching airstrikes and bombing campaigns in the area.
Due to the high costs of airstrikes and bombing operations, the military council cannot sustain frequent attacks. Meanwhile, Kokang troops in Lashio have begun reconstruction efforts, according to Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China affairs analyst, who spoke to Arakha Times.
“In Lashio, it’s said that CDM (Civil Disobedience Movement) doctors and others are reopening hospitals and clinics. The military council has been bombing the area heavily, but each bomb costs a significant amount of money. How much longer can they sustain this? Additionally, the military council lacks a comprehensive national strategy. They’re focused on scattered attacks in specific areas. While bombing works domestically, it’s much harder along the border regions. Therefore, rebuilding stable bases in these regions quickly is crucial. Other resistance groups could also retreat to these areas, when necessary,” he explained.
During Operation 1027, the Kokang troops seized nine towns, including Lashio, and other important trade hubs along the China-Myanmar border such as Chin Shwe Haw, Laukkai, Kwan Kyan, and Mong Koe.
