TNLA, PDF relations damaged upon different interests
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Phyo/Thuta Kyaw (NP News) - July 1
A source who monitors armed conflicts in northern Shan State told The NP News that the alliance between the TNLA and PDF, which are not in the same interest, has deteriorated significantly after being pushed back by the Tatmadaw’s offensive.
He said that such deteriorated relations between these groups are especially evident in Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, and Mogok townships, where the Tatmadaw maintains a strong presence.
The TNLA fought in northern Shan State with the help of the PDF, but there were early complaints that the PDF had been weakened after gaining control of the area.
In addition, some PDFs who crossed into TNLA-controlled territory were arrested and their things were also seized.
He said, “The TNLA requested the PDFs to fight on the front lines during the battles. But after Mogok was seized, the PDFs were reassigned to less strategic positions.”
Then, when the Tatmadaw's offensive to retake Nawnghkio gained momentum, the TNLA used the PDFs to take a defensive stance, which led to growing dissatisfaction, and suspicion that the Tatmadaw's airstrikes were also based on information from within the PDF, he said.
He said, “I also heard that Daw Yi Swe, the head of the 88 Peace and Open Society in Kyaukme, along with six PDF members from Shwebo, were arrested. At the time of their arrest, they had hundreds of thousands of kyats in their car. Another thing is that it's believed the NUG/PDF shared information related to the plane bombing, which is thought to be the reason behind their arrest. It’s a confusing situation.”
He also stated that although the TNLA does not allow PDF fighters to wear their uniforms, it still deploys them in its battles.
“In Nawnhkio, the Tatmadaw has even reached this side of the town. There is only a little left to take everything. There is a lot of fighting there. Because the TNLA is taking advantage them. It can be said that they are a used ally. In Mogok, the PDF has no power. In Nawnghkio, TNLAs are forcing them to go if they don’t want to. Problems arise,” he said.
He stated that the NUG-affiliated PDF and other groups have started to avoid Nawnghkio and Hsipaw, as they do not want to be used as frontline fighters by the TNLA.