“[Republicans] passed resolutions to impose sanctions on Burma to push for change. They have always supported our democratic reforms.”

A faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland will not be allowed to sign the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement because of the ethnic Naga armed group’s core demand for an independent Naga homeland spanning either side of the Burma-India border, according to government spokesperson Zaw Htay.

“The state counsellor will explain the true situation to the world,” said government spokesman Zaw Htay.

Zaw Htay said that security forces carried out a clearance operation in the Buthidaung-Maungdaw region of the Mayu mountain range. "That’s where the terrorists were hiding," he said.

Zaw Htay told reporters that details of the arrests could not be presently disclosed to avoid compromising the investigation.

"LID 33 did not shoot civilians, but may have shot those pretended to be civilians. They shoot only when there is strong evidence," said director Zaw Htay.