The Burma Army (BA) has deployed troops near the Three Pagodas Pass border, according to a military movement observer source from the Thai-Burma border town.

Tactical Command 1 of Military Operation Command (MOC 12), based in Kawkareik in Karen State, has recently been stationed at the Buddhist monastery of Chaung Zon, about 10 miles from the Thai Burma border town.  The troop is led by Colonel Maung Shein, with LIB (Light Infantry Battalion) No.356 led by Lt. Col Khin Mauang and LIB No. 357 led by Lt. Col Zeya Win under this command.  The MOC 12 is infamous in Karen State for human rights abuses. The troop beat and slap villagers during military operations.

“We are watching closely about their movement.  The deployment (of the Burma Army) has alerted concern not only with the KNU, but also with some cease-fire groups because it is not a normal patrol procedure,” said a KNU officer.

The source reported that a troop from DKBA, led by Hnoke Khan Hmwe, is on the way to the border area while the BA column is taking positions atop high mountains. The movement of the BA caused local villagers to question whether this was a show of force to cease fire groups, as ethnic armed ceasefire groups are facing demands by the SPDC to form the Border Guard Force under the Burma Army.

In March, leaders of New Mon State Party met Military Security Force Commander In Chief Lieutenant-General Ye Myint, who was urging the Mon Army to become the Border Guard Force. The NMSP, however, has turned down the proposal.