CNI News

28 October 2025

Local residents say that the KIA-PDF-Kadu forces, which have seized control of Banmauk Township in Upper Sagaing Region, were setting fire to the area near the police station and Hlazingon Ward on the afternoon of October 26, 2025.

A video file documented by a drone, showing the fire damage, was also found.

A Banmauk local said: "They are burning the area of the Banmauk Police Station and Hlazingon Ward, starting around 12 noon. The KIA-PDF-Kadu forces are doing the burning. The military (Tatmadaw) and SNA forces are no longer there; they are just near Banmauk town. The KIA-PDF have been occupying the town since September 20. The SNA is also launching an offensive to retake the town. The KIA-PDF troops were instructed to burn the town if they had to retreat. They told the locals that if they had to withdraw, they would burn everything and frame it as damage caused by the SNA attack."

Currently, the Shan Nationalities Army (SNA) and the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) are preparing militarily to retake Banmauk town and are reportedly positioned about a mile away, according to local residents.

A combined force of no less than 18 revolutionary groups, including the KIA-PDF-Kadu forces, launched an offensive on Banmauk town on September 15 and captured and controlled it on September 20.

Banmauk town was previously controlled by the SNA forces.

Subsequently, fighting has been occurring between the KIA-PDF-Kadu forces and the SNA.

CNI News

28 October 2025

The United Wa State Army (UWSA) is operating on a “One Country, Two Systems” model, similar to China, military and political analysts told CNI News Agency.

China administers Hong Kong and Macau with distinct autonomy under its “One Country, Two Systems” policy.

The analysts point out that the “One Country, Two Systems” model is definitely not federalism.

However, U Khun Sai, who is involved in the peace process, told CNI News Agency that by flying the Union flag alongside their own flag during ceremonies, the “Wa” are demonstrating their non-secessionist stance, which helps maintain relations with the Tatmadaw (military).

He stated: “This situation is definitely not federal. If it were truly federal, 'One Country, One Nation, Two Systems' would not be possible. Therefore, both sides need to resolve this patiently through dialogue and discussion. It’s essential to have the spirit that we will not use force, no matter what. The 'Wa' are currently operating a one-party system. Firstly, it is not a multi-party system that everyone can accept; they have a single-party system. This is the first thing we see. Secondly, they do not accept any administrative, judicial, or legislative mechanisms of the central government or state government into their territory. They operate only with their own mechanisms. And there is no doubt that they are currently operating on the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle. The only thing is that when they hold ceremonies, they fly their own flag and the Union flag. By doing this, they are conveying the meaning that they will not secede, and this is how they maintain the current central government (or) military government’s tolerance.”

 A UWSA representative attending the NCA ceremony on October 15, 2025, is seen.

After signing a ceasefire with the Myanmar Armed Forces in 1989, the UWSA was designated as the “Wa” Self-Administered Division, divided into two districts comprising Hopang, Mongmao, Pangwai, Narphan, Matman, and Pangsang townships.

Since then, the administrative, legislative, and judicial affairs in the areas controlled by the UWSA have not been under the control of the central government but remain solely under the control of the UWSA.

The “Wa” force is the strongest ethnic armed organization based in parts of northern and southern Shan State, having split from the Communist Party of Burma (CPB) in 1989 to form the “Wa” armed group.

The aspiration of the “Wa” force, led by Bao Youxiang, is to officially achieve “Wa State.” Lieutenant General Yar Pyae, Chairman of the NSPNC, stated on October 17 that he had met and discussed with representatives of the “Wa” force during the tenure of the current Commission Chairman.

An FN-6 anti-aircraft weapon of the UWSA is seen.

Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a Chinese-Myanmar affairs observer, told CNI News Agency that even though the “Wa” has not achieved state-level status, it is not an issue because they already possess self-administration and the central government has no dominance in their territory.

She said: “Look, what the 'Wa' is doing now is based on a concept proposed by China: 'One Country, Two Systems.' They are operating exactly that way. Whether the 'Wa' is given a self-administered region or not, the 'Wa' already has it. They haven't achieved state level yet. So, even though it is called the 'Wa' region, they have their own self-administration and self-determination rights. The only thing they lack is foreign trade. Even then, some border trade seems to be directly linked with China. So, whether the 'Wa' is granted a self-administered state or not, the military commission is not the truly official government anyway. Thus, the 'Wa' will do what they want, and I don’t think there is much of a problem.”

The UWSA signed a Union-level ceasefire agreement with the government but is not a signatory to the NCA. However, following the political change in 2021, they met and negotiated based on the Tatmadaw's peace invitation, and UWSA representatives attended and participated in peace forums.

CNI News
26 October 2025

Military and political observers are analyzing what preparations are necessary for all ethnic groups living in Myanmar to adopt the spirit of "We are Myanmar."

On October 21, 2025, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated that ethnic nationalities need to adopt the "Myanmar spirit" and the sentiment of "We are Myanmar"—a united, cohesive national spirit—and join hands to implement peace, tranquility, and development for the state.

Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), told CNI News Agency that for citizens to cultivate the "We are Myanmar" spirit, they must first have a deep love for the nation. If they have this, they can build Union solidarity and unity.

He said, "The main thing is that if they love this country, Myanmar, and work to develop it, I believe the ethnic issues can also be resolved as a subsequent benefit. For example, let's look at Japan. After World War II, they faced oppression and struggled hard to rebuild their nation. In the reconstruction process, they worked with great effort and a love for Japan, based on the spirit of 'We are Japanese.' They later climbed to become the second richest country in the world. Similarly, if we love our country now, we should work for the country's development instead of its destruction."

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing seen with youths from various ethnic groups

Military and political observers point out that since Myanmar's independence, the country has been plagued by civil war, rooted in the Panglong Agreement, making it difficult to unite the nation.

Sai Htay Aung said, "The civil wars that arose with the Panglong Agreement and independence were primarily driven by ideological attachment at first. Later, it became ethnic attachment. However, along with ethnic attachment, armed leaders, under the banner of revolting against the dictator, themselves became dictators. Therefore, if we love our country, and if we proceed with peaceful and coordinated negotiations on these issues, the country will become stable, peaceful, and developed."

U Thein Tun Oo, spokesperson for the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), told CNI News Agency that in his view, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing's statement of "We are Myanmar" was intended to encourage Myanmar citizens to stand proudly and firmly as Myanmar and further enhance patriotism and national spirit.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing seen with youths from various ethnic groups

He said, "In my opinion, I see that the Senior General made this statement to further enhance patriotism. I believe he intends for all of us, the citizens of Myanmar, to stand with pride and glory in saying 'We are Myanmar,' to keep the patriotic spirit vibrant and sharp, and to further elevate the national spirit. In reality, 'Myanmar' refers to all ethnic nationalities in Myanmar, including the Bamar people. Our state is the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Various ethnic groups live in this state. The distinction between 'Myanmar' and 'Bamar' is not very clear. So, 'Myanmar' is often associated with 'Bamar.' Therefore, there are Bamar people, just as there are other ethnic nationalities within Myanmar. If the distinction between Myanmar and Bamar is made, it will help in terms of equal rights, equal laws, and equal governance."

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also stated on October 21 that all citizens need to unite and collectively defend, safeguard, and maintain the Union.

Currently, since gaining independence in 1948, Myanmar has been embroiled in a civil war that continues to this day because fundamental issues such as ethnic equality, self-determination, autonomy, the establishment of a democratic state, and the formation of a federal union have not been resolved.

As a result, racial perspectives have emerged, making it difficult to build the "We are Myanmar" reality.

Military and political observers point out that Section 450 of the 2008 Constitution stipulates that the Myanmar language is the official language. Based on this provision, the Myanmar language and Myanmar words are the Bamar language and Bamar words, leading to the assumption that "Myanmar" is "Bamar." It must be considered whether such assumptions make it difficult for non-Bamar ethnic groups to accept the "We are Myanmar" situation.

CNI News
26 October 2025

The expansion of armed conflicts in many regions is due to the Tatmadaw (Myanmar military) having to act defensively against the opposing forces, said Colonel Wunna Aung from the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC).

He was responding to questions from the media at a press conference on October 17, 2025, concerning the NCA (10th) Anniversary event and the peace process workshop.

Colonel Wunna Aung from the NSPNC stated that the Myanmar military is compelled to retaliate because the opposing armed groups have crossed into its territory and initiated battles, even in urban areas.

He said, "In any case, besides initiating battles in the towns and cities, there are terrorist acts. They are destroying all the infrastructure. We discussed this in our meeting, following the saying that it is necessary to understand and distinguish between the government and the state. One must understand the government, and one must understand the state. Besides destroying all the state's infrastructure, they are also terrorizing and killing peaceful citizens, treating them as enemies if they are not on their side, which we are reporting in the news. Anyway, when the other side crosses into our territory, initiates battles in urban areas, and carries out terrorist activities, we sometimes have to fight in self-defense. Therefore, we are forced to take protective action in response to terrorism. That is why we want and desire peace. That is also why, at this time, we are raising various topics related to peace and working to involve the armed groups in the peace process and to inform the people."

Colonel Wunna Aung of the NSPNC said that previously, the ethnic armed organizations that signed the NCA were no longer in the cities but remained in their former locations, observing a ceasefire and negotiating peace with one another.

Military and political observers point out that since the political change in Myanmar in 2021, the number of armed groups has increased, and armed conflicts have become larger and more widespread, leading to a greater number of civilian casualties.

Colonel Wunna Aung from NSPNC seen at the press conference on October 17, 2025

Due to these developments, the Myanmar peace process continues to be necessary, and the civil war must stop, added Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), at the press conference on October 17.

He said, "Our Myanmar peace process is still needed. Even though there is a war, we discussed at this 10th-anniversary event that it is necessary to stop this civil war for the sake of the people, the country, and the interests of the entire nation, so that everyone across the nation and the world knows—all citizens and ethnic groups, both in the war zones and the non-war zones, know what is needed in their hearts. People in the war zones are moving to non-war zones. They feel it in their hearts; their homes, their children, and their grandchildren are left behind. There are groups who come here and groups who are left there, and sometimes they can't even connect with each other."

While the government has officially announced that the first phase of the election will be held on December 28, there have been no unofficial meetings between the military and the armed groups currently engaged in fighting on the ground.

Therefore, military and political observers point out that the government that comes into power after the election will face significant challenges regarding peace.

Currently, the Myanmar military is also seen gradually working to regain control of the territories it has lost.

CNI News

25 October 2025

Although everyone should work together for the good of the country in Myanmar, the nation is fragmented because groups are acting independently, each seeking their own dominance ("Thu-talu Nga-ta-min" - "one person a king, another person a king"), political analysts point out.

Peace can only be achieved through compromise and a genuine desire for peace, said Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for the National Defence and Security Council, at the 10th anniversary of the NCA (Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement) on October 15, 2025.

Political analysts note that there are various concepts, ideas, and efforts in carrying out the peace process.

Due to the "one person a king, another person a king" approach in Myanmar, the country is fragmented, U Htet Aung Kyaw, a political analyst, told CNI News Agency.

Some ethnic armed leaders

He stated, "For the country to develop, everyone must join hands and proceed together. It is because of this 'one person a king, another person a king' that the country is in this state. If everyone were united, with the feeling and outlook of working only for our nation, this country would develop quickly. It is because the country is so fragmented that it is in such a poor state. The country will be able to rise out of its current difficulties the fastest only when everyone fulfills their respective duties and engages in politics with the sincere intention of working for the nation. Politics should be pursued with the perspective that everyone can join hands for the good of the country."

In Myanmar, on February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military removed the NLD government and declared a State of Emergency, citing the failure to resolve disputes over the 2020 general election voter lists as the reason for the government formation attempt.

Since then, nationwide protests and armed resistance movements have emerged and remain unresolved to this day.

Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News Agency that the country needs consolidation and strength as it is in a state of "The country is fragile, and the storm is fierce."

Some ethnic armed leaders attending the NCA ceremony seen.

He explained, "This 'one person a king, another person a king' leads to warlords. It heads toward the country being fragmented into pieces. If the Union is unstable and disintegrates in this way, it can never reach the path of development. So, we must politically organize and persuade them to unite and prevent this 'one person a king, another person a king' situation. If they are not united, we must unite them. If their opinions differ, we must prevent divergence and enable them to march together. If they become warlords, as mentioned earlier, we must focus on how to approach them politically and how to consolidate and strengthen the nation to prevent them from becoming warlords. Only with unity can the country recover from the current situation. This idea refers to armed organizations, as they are associating with different groups—joining one person, then another, for their own benefit, as I said earlier: 'The country is fragile, and the storm is fierce.' Therefore, the country needs consolidation and strength."

Military and political observers point out that there is currently no political agreement in Myanmar, and the peace process is stalled.

Similarly, while the Myanmar military remains as a central point for political and peace talks, there is no common agreement among the opposition and revolutionary forces on who or which organization has the mandate to lead the negotiations.

CNI News

24 October 2025

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland–Khaplang/Yung Aung (NSCN-K/YA) announced on October 22 that it would resist India’s domination, oppression, and acts of ethnic extermination through the united strength of the Naga people.

The statement came after the Indian military attacked one of NSCN-K/YA’s bases in Lahe Township, Sagaing Region, on October 20.

According to the group, the unprovoked attack clearly demonstrated that the Indian army is an enemy of the Naga people. NSCN-K/YA further accused India of pursuing territorial expansionism and exhibiting militaristic aggression.

The statement also said that killing innocent civilians and threatening Naga revolutionaries would not achieve any meaningful goal. It warned that if violence against Naga communities continued, the group’s response would be fierce, leading to serious repercussions.

The son of the late Maj-Gen Pee Aung seen in photo

A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told CNI News that since the Indian drone strike occurred inside Myanmar’s territory, the issue concerns not only the Nagas but also Myanmar’s sovereignty.

He said: “From what we’ve heard, this happened because of the military tension between Major General Pee Aung’s NSCN-K/YA group stationed near the border and the Indian army. For example, when Indian forces patrol near the Myanmar border, Pee Aung’s group sometimes opens fire, leading to clashes. But this time, since the attack was by drone and happened inside Myanmar’s territory, it also involves Myanmar’s affairs. It’s about bilateral relations and border issues between the two countries.”

He added that since India and Myanmar currently maintain good bilateral relations, both sides could resolve the issue through negotiation, avoiding further escalation.

Myanmar political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw also told CNI News that the incident should not be interpreted as Indian territorial expansion.

Indian drone and NSCN-K/YA forces 

He said: “It’s not that India is trying to expand its territory. Both governments will need to discuss and clarify what exactly happened and why. Since both countries have very friendly relations, it’s unlikely to become a serious problem if handled through proper coordination.”

Earlier, on October 15, NSCN-K/YA attacked an Assam Rifles base near Hatman village, in Manmao area, Changlang District, Arunachal Pradesh, injuring at least four Indian soldiers.

The group’s attack was seen as retaliation for India’s earlier drone strike on July 13, 2025, which targeted NSCN-K/YA and ULFA (I) camps in Lahe Township, Naga Self-Administered Zone, Sagaing Region, Myanmar.

After that strike, the Indian military again launched a drone attack on an NSCN-K/YA base in Lahe Township on October 20.

The NSCN-K/YA continues to fight with the goal of uniting the Naga people living in India and Myanmar to establish an independent Naga Federal Republic.

CNI News

24 October 2025

Following remarks that the “Wa” could obtain statehood if they entered Parliament, discussions have emerged among military and political analysts about whether the United Wa State Army (UWSA) might actually participate in Parliament to seek the establishment of a Wa State.

At a peace workshop held on October 17, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services and Chairman of the National Solidarity and Peace Negotiation Committee (NSPNC), Vice Senior General Yar Pyae, stated that under the 2008 Constitution, if the Wa wanted to have their own state, they should participate in elections and formally propose it in Parliament.

However, sources involved in the peace process told CNI News that UWSA leaders understand that it would be very difficult to gain parliamentary approval for Wa State and therefore find it hard to accept the suggestion.

U Khun Sai, who has long been involved in the peace process, told CNI:

“That’s just what he (Lt-Gen Yar Pyae) said, according to the 2008 Constitution. Under that Constitution, such an issue must be decided not only in (Hluttaw) Parliament but also through public referendums. So, when this topic came up during the peace workshop, Wa leaders reportedly understood the point—but their top leaders still rejected it. It’s understandable. In Shan State, the Wa population is small, and they have few representatives in Parliament. So, it wouldn’t be easy to pass a motion establishing a Wa State through parliamentary means. That’s why Wa leaders likely find it difficult to accept that path.”

Lt-Gen Yar Pyae

During the previous governments of former President U Thein Sein and the NLD, requests were made for elections to be held in UWSA-controlled territories, but the UWSA flatly refused. It remains unclear whether the Myanmar military government's elections will be allowed to hold in those areas this time.

Currently, Hopang Township, which is under UWSA control, is not included in the list of constituencies for Phase 1 of the general election scheduled for December 28, 2025.

However, U Nyi Rang, the head of the UWSA liaison office in Lashio, has publicly stated that the UWSA supports the upcoming election.

Analysts noted that the NSPNC Chairman’s comments appear to be part of an effort to expand the number of areas where elections can be held. They also observed that while the UWSA is maintaining good relations with the military, it does not necessarily mean it will follow everything the military says.

UWSA troops providing security in Pansang, the Wa region.

Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China–Myanmar affairs analyst, told CNI News:

“For now, it doesn’t seem like the Wa will contest in the election. They’ll probably just observe. I don’t think they’ll act exactly as instructed by the military. The military, on the other hand, is working hard to make the election look legitimate and to hold it in as many areas as possible to claim legal authority over the whole country. That’s why they’re trying to ensure elections are held in all the territories they can. But I don’t think the Wa will actually hold elections. They just want to maintain good relations with the military—nothing more.”

At present, the UWSA-controlled areas operate independently of central government authority, with their own administrative, legislative, and judicial systems.

The UWSA signed a ceasefire agreement with the Myanmar military in 1989, after which it was granted self-administrative status over Hopang, Mong Mao, Panwai, Nahpan, Metman, and Pansang townships, forming two districts collectively known as the Wa Self-Administered Division.

However, although the UWSA has a bilateral ceasefire with the government, it has not signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).

CNI News

24 October 2025

Although voter lists for the upcoming general election in Myanmar, scheduled for the end of this year, have already been announced for public inspection, political analysts have pointed out that public interest remains very low. 

Therefore, they suggest that the authorities should enable people to check their voter information online.

According to the Union Election Commission (UEC), the voter lists for the upcoming election would be displayed at township-level election sub-commission offices from September 30 until the second week of October 2025 for public review. However, since very few people have gone to check their names in person, experts recommend that online access should be made available to make the process easier.

Demonstration on how the Myanmar Electronic Voting Machine (MEVM) will be used in the upcoming election

Political analyst Dr. Myo Set Thway, who plans to contest in the election as an independent, told CNI News that:

“They should definitely make it possible to check the voter list online. But for now, the system is such that it’s more like assigning work to the public. If it could be done online, it would be much more convenient. People could either go to the polling stations to check their names or do so online. This election is very important, and people need to vote. In order to vote, they must first know where their names are on the voter list. Political parties have a big responsibility here. They should educate the public and encourage voter participation. When someone truly wants to vote, they’ll make the effort to do so. Therefore, the key task is to motivate people to want to vote.”

Myanmar’s first phase of the 2025 general election will be held on December 28, 2025, and unlike previous elections, ballot papers will not be used. Instead, voters will cast their votes using Myanmar Electronic Voting Machines (MEVMs).

For that reason, political parties have emphasized that both the process of checking voter lists and casting votes should be made available through an online system, to ensure greater accessibility and transparency.

Citizens checking the voter list

U Thein Tun Oo, spokesperson of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), told CNI News that coordination among relevant bodies and the election commission would make it faster and easier for the public to check their voter lists:

“When it’s time to make corrections, they should do it. If someone’s name is missing, they can apply using Forms 3 or 4 — those procedures already exist. If all relevant organizations and the commission work together, voter list checking can be done more quickly. The UEC has also been announcing it widely through various media outlets, encouraging the public to check their names and ensure a successful election. We’ve also seen that text message notifications are being sent via mobile phones. If political parties and candidates take this matter seriously and actively engage in it, the process will become even more successful.”

During the 2010 general election, over 29 million people were eligible to vote, with more than 22 million casting their ballots. In 2015, there were over 34 million eligible voters, and in 2020, over 37 million. The total number of eligible voters for the 2025 general election has not yet been announced.

Currently, the first phase of the election will take place on December 28, 2025, across 102 townships, and the second phase is planned for January 2026, covering another 100 townships.

CNI News

23 October 2025

All of us must cultivate the spirit of being Myanmar (“We are Myanmar”), said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission.

He made the remarks on October 21, 2025, during a meeting with students from the seventh batch of the five-year course at the University for the Development of the National Races of the Union, held at the Myanmar International Convention Center (MICC-1) in Naypyitaw.

“Our ethnic nationalities must nurture a Myanmar spirit — the spirit of unity that makes us say ‘We are Myanmar.’

With this national spirit of solidarity, we must work hand in hand for the peace, prosperity, and development of our nation.

Likewise, young students from all regions should be trained and encouraged to possess positive thinking, willingness to participate, cooperative spirit, unity, and helpfulness,” he stated.

He further said that safeguarding and defending the country’s independence and sovereignty is an inborn duty of all citizens of the Union. Therefore, all people of the nation must stand united with a strong Union spirit to protect and preserve the nation together.

Since Myanmar gained independence in 1948, the country has been unable to resolve fundamental issues such as ethnic equality, self-determination, autonomous administration, establishment of democracy, and the creation of a federal union — leading to the ongoing internal conflicts up to the present day.

As a result, ethnic-based perspectives have emerged, making it difficult to build a true sense of “We are Myanmar.”

According to Article 450 of the 2008 Constitution, the Myanmar language is prescribed as the official working language.

This provision implies that the “Myanmar language” and “Myanmar speech” essentially mean “Bamar language” and “Bamar speech.” Consequently, analysts in military and political circles have pointed out that non-Bamar ethnic groups might find it difficult to accept or identify with the notion of “We are Myanmar.”