Mongko Region Defence Army

The Mongko Region Defence Army (Burmese: မုန်းကိုး ကာကွယ်ရေးတပ်; abbreviated MRDA) was an insurgent group based in Mongko, Shan State, Myanmar.[1] The then-ruling military junta in Myanmar, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), allegedly encouraged the MRDA to cooperate with narcos on the China–Myanmar border.[2]

Mongko Region Defence Army
LeadersMong Hsala
Li Nimen
Dates of operationAugust 1995 (1995-08) – 24 November 2000 (2000-11-24)
HeadquartersMongko, Mu Se District, Shan State
Active regionsShan State,
China–Myanmar border
Allies Myanmar SPDC (1995–2000)
Opponents SPDC (until 1995)
Battles and warsInternal conflict in Myanmar

History

In August 1995, Mong Hsala announced his split with Yang Maoliang and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and renamed a brigade under his command to the Mongko Region Defence Army (MRDA).[3] Immediately afterwards, the group signed a ceasefire with the government of Myanmar.[4][5]

In September 2000, deputy commander Li Nimen mutinied and ousted Mong Hsala from the group, with support from Kokang leader Peng Jiasheng, who had ousted Yang Maoliang from the MNDAA several years prior. After Li Nimen attempted to ambush government soldiers stationed around Mongko, the Tatmadaw launched Operation Black Dragon, capturing, disarming and executing Li Nimen and most of his men. The remaining members of the MRDA were forcibly enlisted into the Myanmar Army and the group was dissolved.

References
  1. Heppner, Kevin (2002). "My Gun was as Tall as Me": Child Soldiers in Burma. Human Rights Watch. p. 158. ISBN 9781564322791.
  2. South, Mr Ashley (2013). Mon Nationalism and Civil War in Burma: The Golden Sheldrake. Routledge. p. 267. ISBN 9781136129629.
  3. Oo, Zaw; Min, Win (2007). Assessing Burma's Ceasefire Accords. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. p. 45. ISBN 9789812304957.
  4. Steinberg, David I. (2001). Burma: The State of Myanmar. Georgetown University Press. p. 195. ISBN 1589012852. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  5. Colletta, Nat J.; Lim, Teck Ghee; Kelles-Viitanen, Anita (2001). Social Cohesion and Conflict Prevention in Asia: Managing Diversity Through Development. World Bank Publications. p. 310. ISBN 9780821348741.


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