"A Ta’ang armed group said it fought with the Burma Army (aka Tatmadaw) many times in early November despite initiating an unilateral ceasefire with other members of an ethnic alliance. “The highest number of clashes occurred in Kutkai township in northern Shan State. Fighting also happened in Namhsan and Namkham township too. Why are the clashes happening? It’s because they’re (Tatmadaw) entering our areas and attacking us,” said Maj. Mai Aik Kyaw, in charge of Palaung State Liberation Front/Ta’ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA). According to the major, there have been at least 5 clashes between November 1 to 6. Full-blown battles with the Tatmadaw have been avoided because the PSLF/TNLA is refusing to retaliate against their offenses, he said. But if the Army keeps attacking them it will negatively impact the unilateral ceasefire they and other groups in the Northern Alliance have initiated. “Fighting is not the solution. We have to seek a solution through negotiation and dialogue,” Mai Aik Kyaw said, commenting that lately there’s been more clashes than dialogue..."