Burma commander-in-chief warns of war

Gen Min Aung Hlaing. Photo: Irrawaddy

President Thein Sein recent visit to Kachin state with Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of the country, in mid-March was trumpeted as a peace mission. The President said a “ray of peace” was shining in the state that has been riddled by conflict since June 2011. After there was more talking with other ethnic leaders in Rangoon he said that would build trust and bring the country closer to the signing of a nationwide ceasefire.

Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) pastors were reportedly warned behind closed doors that the Tatmadaw (Burma army) will make war against the KIO if it rejects again a ceasefire pact with government in early April. The pastors say they were forced to meet with Gen Min Aung Hlaing at the Myitkyina-based Northern Regional Military Command on March 16.

Min Aung Hlaing’s threats were reportedly rejected by KIA Lt-Gen. Chief of Staff Gunhtang Gam Shawng, according to pastors.

The KIO is one of country’s 16 ethnic groups and plays a leading role in 12-ethnic armed alliance, United Nationalities Federal Council. The KIO refuses to sign a ceasefire without political dialogue.

Last November, Aung Hlaing told a  group of officers in Naypyidaw his troops were “afraid of no one.” reportedly in defense of army’s operations in Kachin state, which he blames the violence on the ethnic Kachin rebels.

The senior general also said the Tatmadaw will “forever follow the policy laid down by Snr-Gen Than Shwe,” under the former military regime. Aung Hlaing is well known for his close connections with the former country military leader.

In August 2009, the then major general raised eyebrows after overseeing a military offensive against the ethnic Kokang armed group known as the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army. This was the first group to be punished for rejecting Than Shwe's “border guard force” scheme.

Some observers predict that Min Aung Hlaing may soon enter the political fray. According to the Irrawaddy, Brig-Gen Wai Lin, a Lower House MP who leads military lawmakers in Parliament said he expects Min Aung Hlaing “to be a leading candidate for the presidency”.