The Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) announced on April 30 that central-level talks will be held to resolve the recent clashes between SSPP and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) forces near the border of Lashio and Hsipaw townships in Northern Shan State. Fighting broke out between SSPP and MNDAA troops on April 28 and 29 in areas between Namman and Konpaung villages along the Lashio-Hsipaw township border. There were 8 military engagements and 24 instances of physical confrontations and arrests between the two sides, resulting in injuries to soldiers from both groups.
The Shan State Progress Party and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army have been allied revolutionary organizations working together in solidarity for decades. However, tensions between troops from both sides began emerging during the second phase of Operation 1027. The main causes of friction were communication difficulties between MNDAA ground forces and SSPP troops due to language barriers when MNDAA forces entered SSPP-controlled territory, as well as insufficient formal notification from MNDAA central command regarding their troops’ movements through SSPP areas. These issues led to misunderstandings and eventual confrontations between the forces on the ground.
Both SSPP and MNDAA are members of the Northern Alliance coalition which includes seven organizations: the United Wa State Army (UWSA), National Democratic Alliance Army – Mongla Group (NDAA), Arakan Army (AA), and Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). According to the announcement, the recent conflicts will be addressed through central-level discussions between both sides. The statement also indicated that steps would be taken to prevent further unwanted direct confrontations between the two groups through proper coordination and communication channels. The two organizations aim to resolve their differences through dialogue while maintaining their long-standing alliance relationship.
