Myanmar's two major Shan armed groups, the Northern Shan State Army (SSPP) and the Southern Shan State Army (RCSS), finally declared a peaceful ceasefire between the two sides after many consultations.
On 29 November, the SSPP and RCSS jointly issued a statement announcing that both sides had formally ended the long armed conflict and would commit to the unity and development of the Shan people.
The statement pointed out that the ceasefire between the two sides was strongly expected and appealed by monks and Shan people, who hoped that the two Shan armed groups would be able to lay down and jointly safeguard the interests and dignity of the Shan people. On August 9 and 10, the leaders of the two sides had friendly exchanges and reached some preliminary consensus, including stopping the exchange of fire, stopping attacking each other on the Internet, and stopping words and deeds that undermine national unity.
On 20 November, three representatives of the SSPP and four representatives of the RCSS met again and formally decided to implement the ceasefire agreement between the two sides.
SSPP spokesman Maj. Seponghan said the two sides had also agreed on a number of concrete measures on the ceasefire, such as free movement between the two sides in each other's controlled areas, and the release and exchange of prisoners between the two sides. He said that these measures are aimed at enhancing mutual trust between the two sides and laying the foundation for subsequent cooperation and coordination.
Major Sekansan, a spokesman for the RCSS, also said that it took three consultations between the two sides to finally reach a consensus on a ceasefire. He said that in order to let the monks and the Shan people know their desire for peace, the two sides decided to issue a joint statement publicly announcing the ceasefire.
The RCSS is an armed group that has signed a National Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and has channels of dialogue with Myanmar** and the military. The SSPP is an armed group that does not sign the NCA, but there are also armed groups that consult with the Burmese** and military.
The ceasefire between the two Shan armed groups is of positive significance to the peace process in Myanmar and has also created favorable conditions for the unity and development of the Shan people. However, whether the ceasefire between the two sides can be sustained will depend on the attitude and actions of the Burmese and military forces, as well as the response of other Shan forces. It is hoped that the two sides will uphold the concept of peace, overcome difficulties, and achieve peace and prosperity for the Shan people.