Myanmar or Burma

The scamming gangs have begun operations near Manpang Village, approximately 40 kilometres from downtown Laikha, in an area controlled by the Manpang pro-junta Militia group which is providing security for the gangs, according to a political analyst.

China wants armed groups in Myanmar to end their offensives against the country’s junta, a leaked document from a meeting held following the fall of the strategic town of Lashio in early August shows, revealing that the regime’s most important ally fears it may be nearing collapse.

The Pa-O National Army (PNA/PNO) is forcing civilian villagers to buy PNA/PNO uniforms and take part in PNA parades to make them appear to have more soldiers than they really do.

The main group coordinating opposition to military rule in Myanmar rejected on Friday a surprise offer from the ruling generals to hold talks on a political solution to the country’s nationwide armed conflict.

"The previous eight were arrested for collecting donations for flood relief. The two others were detained because they refused to collect the bodies of deceased junta soldiers after a clash near the Three Pagodas Pass. Last night, I heard that an abbot was also arrested, but I don't know the exact details," she explained.