CNI News 

June 12, 2026

The Tai-Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP) issued a statement on June 11, 2026, demanding the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) halt its objective to attack Shwegu Town.

The TNDP statement strongly objected to and condemned an announcement dated June 8 by the KIA’s Battalion 12. The KIA’s announcement stated that the main entrance road to Shwegu and the entire Nga Oh-Shwegu highway would be closed indefinitely starting June 8, 2026, and urged all residents inside Shwegu to evacuate and flee the town.

The TNDP statement noted: "We urge the KIA to halt its objective to attack Shwegu Town and to completely cease launching aggressive battles in other regions as well. We hereby issue this position statement to warn that if the KIA’s aggression leads to ethnic conflict, the KIO/KIA will bear sole responsibility."

The TNDP further stated that the town-capture battles led by the KIA in Sagaing Region—covering Kawlin, Pinlebu, Htigyaing, Indaw, Banmauk, and Katha towns—as well as in Kachin State—covering Mansi, Momauk, and Bhamo towns—have resulted in the loss of civilian lives and property, leaving people homeless.

Consequently, civilians forced to flee these towns due to the KIA's town-capture operations face forced recruitment by the KIA-PDF along their journey, and are struggling severely to survive in unfamiliar territories. The TNDP statement added that the KIA’s town-capture battles are akin to pushing the civilian population into a sea of suffering.

Meanwhile, KIA leader Lieutenant General Gun Maw has previously stated that they must fight the enemy from positions within the Sagaing Region to secure the gateway to their home in Kachin State. He noted that through the "Three Ks" (Kanbalu, Kawlin, Katha) operation in Sagaing, they are striving for the liberation of northwestern Myanmar.

Military and political analysts have pointed out that the towns targeted by the KIA for its town-capture operations are predominantly inhabited by the Shanni ethnic group, whereas the KIA has not executed town-capture operations in towns inhabited by ethnic Kachin people.

CNI News

June 12, 2026

Naypyitaw has released a statement announcing that the Myanmar military(Tatmadaw) has successfully recaptured and reopened the route connecting Thantlang and Hakha in Chin State, which had been previously controlled by Chin armed groups.

Intense fighting broke out between the Chin National Front (CNF) and the Myanmar military starting June 4, 2026, in towns and villages adjacent to the Hakha-Thantlang route in Chin State. The military managed to regain control of the route on June 9, 2026.

U Soe Htet, Chairman of the New Chin Congress Party (NCC), told CNI News that while the military has reportedly taken control of the Thantlang-Hakha route, military operations continue in nearby towns and villages. He added that he has learned that mutual military activities along the India-Myanmar border will be monitored and controlled by both countries.

"According to the news, the military has now secured control over five townships in northern Chin State. I also read that there will be monitoring and control of mutual military movements along the Indian border, though I cannot verify the actual situation on the ground. Once you pass through Thantlang to Chinlon town, you can proceed directly into India. The operations are primarily concentrated along the Indian border. Many civilians who cannot reside in the towns are currently staying along the border.There are numerous routes leading to the border from Thantlang. Although the military has secured a route that facilitates travel toward India, military operations are still ongoing. They have managed to control the towns to a certain extent, but military activities persist in other villages and rural areas. Now that the army has moved into these five northern townships with substantial force and has taken major control of the urban areas, I believe the situation might not get significantly worse than it is now. Since a peace invitation has been extended, and organizations like the CNF and CNA are signatories to the NCA (Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement), I cannot say what their strategy is, but I think military operations will likely decrease," he said.

The Tatmadaw regained control of Hakha and Thantlang in Chin State.

The CNF, which is actively operating in Chin State, is an armed group that has signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). It maintains its headquarters in Thantlang Township and operates in Hakha, Tedim, and Matupi.

According to local residents, civilians in conflict-affected areas have been forced to flee their homes and are facing severe challenges regarding food and shelter.

U Soe Htet, Chairman of the New Chin Congress Party (NCC), also told CNI News that the Thantlang-Hakha route is highly critical for the return of local residents, the flow of goods, and regional trade.

"The Hakha-Thantlang route is vital for re-establishing control over Thantlang and for the reconstruction of homes for the public. Currently, displaced residents are scattered across the Kalay side, the Hakha side, and inside India. Thantlang had a large number of households, and although many homes have been heavily destroyed, local residents want to return and live in their town. If this route is wide open and travel is secure, the people will manage the town's reconstruction on their own, and if the government provides support, rebuilding the town will be feasible. Securing this route will facilitate both the flow of goods and redevelopment efforts. From a military standpoint, the military base in Thantlang is situated on high ground and is highly strategic. Therefore, controlling this route provides a significant military advantage. It will also make travel much easier for families wishing to return to their native areas. Reconstructing the towns and villages can only run smoothly if there is control. Since Thantlang was completely destroyed, all locals want to rebuild their town, which makes this route exceptionally vital," he said.

Government department offices in Hakha.

Clashes have been taking place in Chin State between the Myanmar military and the CNF, Local Defence Forces (LPDFs), and the Arakan Army (AA). Consequently, over 10,000 local residents from Thantlang, Matupi, and Mindat have fled to Mizoram State, India.

The Myanmar military launched counter-attacks to regain control after Chin revolutionary forces captured sections of the road between Hakha and Thantlang during 2024 and 2025.

Naypyitaw has announced that cargo trucks and travelers will now be able to pass through normally, and the route can be reused without difficulty for regional transport.

Additionally, it is reported that regional rehabilitation efforts are being carried out to facilitate the return of displaced local residents and to elevate socio-economic life, including regional development, education, and healthcare.

CNI News

June 12, 2026

The Myanmar military(Tatmadaw) issued a statement on June 10, 2026, revealing that it is currently launching offensives to reopen the Tamu-Kalay trade route—a major India-Myanmar trade artery located in Sagaing Region.

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing visited India from May 30 to June 3, 2026, where he met with Indian Prime Minister Modi. During the meeting, they discussed and agreed on the implementation of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway project, which includes the reopening of border trade.

Following this, the Myanmar military began launching military operations to gain control of the Tamu-Kalay trade route, which serves as a trade gateway to Moreh, India.

Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party, told CNI News that regaining control of the Tamu-Kalay route would benefit not only the flow of goods but also military operations, as it serves as an access point to Chin and Rakhine states.

The military seized control of a PDF position on the Kalay-Tamu route.

"Since the issue of reopening this trade route was included in the President’s trip to India, it is highly important not only for the Myanmar military but for the whole country. This can be called the Asian Silk Road, and it is also the major highway for India-Myanmar trade. Therefore, it is a very vital route for the government. The main thing is that a major trade flow channel for our country will open up. Indian goods will enter this side, and Myanmar’s products, like beans and pulses, will be exported to India. This path will open up.
Furthermore, from a military perspective, the military will gain many advantages. This is because the route leading up to Chin State will be open. From Chin State, an access route will also open up to go down towards Rakhine, specifically northern Rakhine," he said.

In an interview with Indian media, President U Min Aung Hlaing stated that efforts are being made to open the trade route connecting Kalay and Tamu, as well as to reopen the border gates.

The Tamu-Moreh border trade, one of the primary trade routes between India and Myanmar, has been closed for nearly six years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 political transition.

The Kalay-Tamu route is part of the strategic India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. The highway starts from Moreh in Manipur State, India, passes through Kalay, Tamu, Kalaywa, Monywa, Mandalay, Naypyitaw, Bago, Hpa-an, Kawkareik, and Myawaddy on the Myanmar side, and connects to Mae Sot in Thailand.

The military seized control of a PDF position on the Kalay-Tamu route.

Political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News that if the Kalay-Tamu route—currently targeted for recapture by the military—can be crossed again, it will greatly benefit the domestic flow of goods as it is a Myanmar-India border trade route.

"You could say they are trying to break through and reconnect the path with India. Whatever the case, it is undeniably important. It is vital for both sides. The state on the other side also has a population of 45 million. That is not a small number. So, no matter what, it is important to a certain extent. Since we are facing blockages on the Chinese border side as well, this is crucial for both sides," he said.

Military and political analysts point out that the Myanmar military's efforts to regain control of the Kalay-Tamu route are aimed not only at the strategic India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral trade route, but also at ensuring stability in the Sagaing Region and securing access to launch offensives into Chin State and Rakhine State.

Naypyitaw released information stating that to recapture and reopen the Tamu-Kalay route, the Myanmar military has split into two columns—one from the Kalay side and another from the Tamu side—and has been launching offensives since June 7, 2026. The column from the Tamu side has reportedly reached near Yanlinphai village, while the column from the Kalay side has arrived near the 55-mile village.

CNI News

June 12, 2026

Military and political analysts have pointed out that to resolve the ongoing armed and ethnic conflicts in Myanmar, the rights and entitlements of ethnic minorities should be precisely incorporated into the 2008 Constitution.

Although Chapter (8) of the 2008 Constitution already includes certain provisions regarding ethnic rights, politicians and ethnic rights activists argue that laws must be further strengthened to fully guarantee self-determination, equality, and a genuine federal system, which are the aspirations of ethnic nationalities.

Dr. Kyaw Swe, a Pyithu Hluttaw (House of Representatives) MP, told CNI News that it is high time for Myanmar to be at peace, and that the demands and agreements made by ethnic groups will eventually become constitutionally guaranteed points.

 Ethnic youths.

"Peace is one of the most vital fundamental rights for our country, Myanmar. Without looking at anyone's face (regardless of personal interests), I urge all sides to coordinate and quickly resolve this so that the ethnic groups can get at least half or more of what they are asking for to reach a mutual consensus. Myanmar has reached the time to be peaceful. Looking at the faces of all our ethnic people and citizens of Myanmar, I urge both sides to achieve peace quickly. All ethnic organizations are set to present their stances and the paths they want to pursue. The government side will then coordinate and integrate them. Crucially, if we can bring them into the NCA (Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement) path, and include the points already agreed upon in the Union Accord into the Constitution as guarantees, eternal peace will be sustained. This is because the demands and agreements of the ethnic groups were produced only after thorough discussions among all ethnic armed organizations and experts. Incorporating these agreements into the Union Constitution to ensure they are guaranteed will mean that the data and points requested by ethnic groups will become legally guaranteed by the Constitution," he said.

Non-Bamar ethnic organizations are currently demanding full constitutional guarantees for the right to use ethnic languages as official office languages in respective states, as well as the right to education in mother-tongue languages.

Similarly, they are demanding the decentralization and a fairer distribution of administrative, legislative, and financial powers to states and regions, alongside the right for local ethnic populations to manage their own local natural resources and receive a fair share of profit-sharing for regional development.

Daw Saw Mra Rar Zar Lin, Chairwoman of the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), told CNI News that she understands incorporating ethnic rights into the 2008 Constitution refers to amending Article 261.

 Ethnic youths.

"In my opinion, saying that ethnic rights are to be included in the 2008 Constitution means amending Article 261. The reason is that once we say 'Union', we understand it as a system where power is centralized at the union level and the powers accessible to the states must be shared and exercised. Right now, centralization is far too heavy. Most ethnic people understand that if it is a Federal Union, centralization must be reduced and power must be given to the states. I understand that this is what most ethnic people mean by 'self-determination'. For example, when choosing the head of a state or region—currently, the President of the State appoints them. Instead of doing it that way, the state's Chief Minister needs to be chosen based on the will and election of the local state residents. Therefore, it is widely accepted that Article 261 of the 2008 Constitution must be amended. Furthermore, regarding natural resource matters, how much will the mainland (union) take, and how much will the state take? The state is, after all, the owner. That is why a fair system of sharing and utilization between the state and the mainland is needed," she said.

It is reported that while there are 43 points agreed upon between the government and political parties regarding the amendment of the 2008 Constitution, there is still no precise agreement on amending Article 261.

Both sides previously stated that a 43-point agreement to amend the 2008 Constitution was reached following a meeting between the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) and the working group of the political parties alliance in January 2025.

CNI News

June 11, 2026

Political parties and political analysts are highlighting how Myanmar should shrewdly navigate its position between its powerful neighbors, China and India.

Military and political analysts assess that the attitudes of China and India toward Myanmar are based on their respective national interests, geopolitical competition, and border stability.

A political analyst told CNI News Agency that it is highly crucial for the government to act shrewdly amidst the investment projects of China and India in Myanmar; otherwise, Myanmar could fall into a cycle of deep debt to China.

"Geographically, our country is located at an excellent and strategic hub for major global powers," the analyst said. "If we can leverage this, it will be immensely beneficial for us. But if we fail to utilize it effectively, we will end up merely investing the 'land,' being exploited, and gaining no development at all. We could end up stuck in a cycle of persistent poverty and destitution.For instance, China is aiming to secure an outlet to the Indian Ocean by cutting through Myanmar. The basic premise of their Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects is to build massive roads and engage in trade. When such roads are built, Myanmar has to bear the costs. If there is no money, China will lend it. They have established banks specifically for the BRI, and those banks will lend the funds. Furthermore, if technical expertise is lacking, they have all the expertise. No matter how difficult a terrain is on earth, they can build a road through it. China relies on such guarantees to persuade and lobby countries.However, if you are stuck paying interest on loans for building this highway or mega-port, yet no ships dock at the port, no foreign goods flow in due to the lack of an expansive market, and no ships depart from here because you have nothing to sell, the port construction might be complete, but you are left with nothing but bank loans and interest payments. Consequently, you sink into a debt trap. This is similar to how China built the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka."

President U Min Aung Hlaing attending a Myanmar-India economic discussion.

The analyst further noted that the government needs to seize existing opportunities and know how to make clever demands that serve the national interest.

"At a time when China wants to execute these projects, we currently do not have much to sell to them; we are mostly buying goods from them," the political analyst continued. "So, once the roads are connected, it is certain that both goods and people will flow through these routes. What we can export are agricultural products. Therefore, we must demand, 'Please allow our agricultural products. Permit us to sell them.' Making such demands can work out well if we do so before reaching an agreement, particularly at a time when they intensely desire an access route to the Indian Ocean. If we wait to demand until after an agreement is reached and contracts are signed, it won't be easy. What I mean to say is, we must know how to negotiate and demand. We must know how to ask not only for job opportunities for our people but also for the advancement of manufacturing technologies."

Military and political analysts point out that the regions in Myanmar bordering China and India include Shan, Kachin, Chin, Sagaing, and Rakhine states and regions, emphasizing the need to exercise caution across all these territories adjacent to the two giants.

Dr. Kyaw Swe, a Pyithu Hluttaw (House of Representatives) MP from the National Unity Party, told CNI News Agency that since Myanmar is positioned between the world's most populous nations, it should strive to turn their vast populations into a secure market for its food and agricultural products.

Chinese Ambassador Ms. Ma Jia and President U Min Aung Hlaing.

"Myanmar has to live between countries with the largest populations in the world," Dr. Kyaw Swe said. "Therefore, we must strive to turn their large populations into a market for us. We should prepare ourselves to secure strong, core markets for food and agricultural products, which our country mainly produces. Another point is that in international diplomacy, Myanmar must work to gain the support and standing of these major powers. From Myanmar's side, we are located right in the middle of two of the largest consumer markets. It is highly viable for us to produce and supply what the consumer populations of these two countries need. Myanmar also holds a strategic position in every logistics and transportation route, which presents tremendous opportunities for us. Furthermore, once projects like the Dawei Deep Sea Port are completed, we will be able to pursue even greater development. Myanmar will then position itself right within the global trade zone."

China-Myanmar affairs analysts point out that the Chinese government is likely to wrap up its projects in Myanmar, namely the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects and the Kyaukphyu Deep Sea Port project, within the next five years.

Similarly, India is actively implementing the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.

CNI News

June 11, 2026

Military and political analysts are currently offering insights into what changes need to be made so that the Myanmar military(Tatmadaw) is viewed as a "Union Army," given that ethnic nationalities currently view it as a "Bamar (Burman) Army" rather than a Union Army.

U Khun Sai, a participant in the peace process, told CNI News Agency that if the military wishes to shift this perspective to that of a Union Army, it needs to give greater priority to ethnic nationalities and implement a system that determines the proportional representation of respective ethnic groups within the military.

"For us to achieve this, we need to work in two stages," U Khun Sai said. "The first stage is to assign duties based on capability and qualification without discrimination based on race, and to assign responsibilities based on loyalty to the state. If possible, there is a need to give more emphasis to ethnic nationalities. For example, regarding a specific rank or duty, if a candidate is Bamar, they must have a university degree, but if they are a non-Bamar ethnic nationality, passing the 10th grade could be acceptable. This kind of system needs to be in place."

A scene showing the Myanmar military(Tatmadaw).

He added, "Secondly, people keep saying that the military is a Union Army. A Union Army means an army formed by gathering different member states of the union. For these member states, a definitive system must be established detailing how many personnel from Kachin State must serve, how many from Shan State, and how many from Karenni State. To achieve this, we need to meet, negotiate, and reach an agreement. If we can do these things, our military can truly become a great Union Army instead of being a Bamar Army."

Currently, ethnic armed organizations as well as military and political analysts perceive the Myanmar military as being dominated by a single ethnic group. Therefore, they point out that transforming it to achieve the perspective of a Union Army is the most fundamental and difficult challenge for long-term political stability in Myanmar.

Military and political analysts also analyze that the first step should be ensuring that the military is not an organization meant to lead the state, but must instead operate solely under the command of a civilian government democratically elected by the people.

Furthermore, a political analyst told CNI News Agency that military reforms must be undertaken to ensure that the military's duty is not to fight domestic ethnic nationalities as enemies, but to protect the state's borders and the constitution from external threats.

Leaders of EAOs

"The military must be a Union Army that protects the country. What is happening now is that it has become a Bamar Army," the analyst said. "Inside the military, if you are an ethnic nationality, your rank doesn't really advance. If your wife happens to be Christian or Muslim, that person's rank stops advancing. What I mean to say is that this military must be an army that protects the country, with participation from all diverse ethnic groups. In the past monarchy era, ancient Myanmar kings only demanded that Shan Saophas (chiefs) pay annual tributes and remain loyal to them. If foreign invasions came from the borders, the king would send the military to protect them. Meaning, the duty of the military is solely to defend against external aggression."

For nearly 80 years, ethnic nationalities have viewed the military not as their protector, but as an army that oppresses and invades them under the ideology of Burman chauvinism (Burmanization).

Military and political analysts point out that if the military continues to exist as a Bamar Army, the respective Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) will never disarm, in order to defend themselves.

CNI News

June 11, 2026

Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News that the current third term of the Hluttaw (Parliament) could potentially become the only parliament in the history of the 2008 Constitution to successfully amend numerous articles for the first time.

The National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC), Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs), and political parties have held discussions and agreed upon 43 points to amend the 2008 Constitution.

President Min Aung Hlaing has stated that these 43 agreed points will be submitted to the Hluttaw for discussion and amendment.

Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), shared with CNI News his view that this current parliament could make history by becoming the first to successfully pass these constitutional amendments.

Discussion between political parties and the NSPNC.

"During the first Hluttaw term, efforts were made to amend the constitution. We formed a committee within the parliament—I believe it was first a review committee, and then a working committee consisting of 45 members, led by the vice-speakers. In that constitutional amendment working committee, we agreed on an article-by-article basis. However, when a large number of amendments were submitted to the parliament, they did not make as much headway as expected. No matter how much we tried to alter the terminology of many articles, it was difficult to get approval within the parliament. We submitted proposals to grant more authority to Regions and States. But in the end, everything required the approval of the Union Hluttaw, so the laws that could be enacted by State and Region parliaments were sidelined. Even if our State and Region parliaments had the right to legislate in certain sectors, those laws only became valid if the Union Hluttaw agreed. This was the Union central government retaining control. In this third Hluttaw, however, the 43 points have become solid. A time may soon arrive that stands as the only period in the history of the 2008 Constitution where numerous articles can be amended. In the coming period, this could become a great parliament capable of amending and approving many articles of the constitution, leading to constitutional amendments approved by the entire Union," Dr. Aye Maung said.

The procedures for amending numerous articles of a law or constitution for the first time in a parliament primarily depend on the rules of procedure of the respective parliament and the provisions laid down in the constitution itself.

It is learnt that the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC), the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC), and the political parties bloc had agreed to amend Article 261 of the 2008 Constitution. However, some participants in the meeting noted that, in practice, the likelihood of reaching a final consensus to amend Article 261 remains low.

A session of the Union Hluttaw in progress.

Political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News that because the current parliament lacks political diversity, there is unlikely to be much division. However, he noted that the parliament is heavily influenced by party policies and ideologies, making deep constitutional amendments difficult.

"The current parliament lacks diversity; there won't be much difference of opinion. Just like the NLD-majority parliament during the NLD era, it has now become a USDP-majority parliament. Consequently, the party's control impacts the parliament. When that happens, party policies come into play, and they will have to act only when the party dictates. The USDP holds the vast majority of power, and the parliament will be dominated by the party's ideological policies. So, we will have to wait and see. We need to see how much pressure comes from the local public. We also have to see to what extent they will amend the constitution. Take something like Article 261, for instance. Is it impossible to manage without amending it? It is quite possible. Without amending it, the President could just ask the respective Region/State parliament, 'Who do you want to nominate? Give me the list of names,' and that would settle it. Therefore, regarding the constitutional amendment, I think it will be difficult to make deep, profound changes in reality. There are situations where things can be done as long as there is no conflicting law, so we will just have to wait and see," Dr. Aung Myo said.

Previously, during the second Hluttaw term under the National League for Democracy (NLD) government, military representatives submitted a proposal to amend Article 261, but it failed due to objections from the NLD. Similarly, during the President U Thein Sein-led Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) government, the military and the USDP had objected to amending Article 261.

According to Article 261 of the 2008 Constitution, the President selects his preferred candidate from among the local parliament representatives and appoints them as the Chief Minister of the respective Region or State.

CNI News

June 10, 2026

Political analysts are currently discussing and analyzing the nature of neighboring India's interests in Myanmar.

They point out that India is implementing the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway project, with New Delhi's primary goals being northeastern border security and countering China.

A political analyst told CNI News that India’s main strategic consideration is to secure an outlet to the sea for its seven northeastern states through Myanmar's Kaladan River.

"India's interest in this route is somewhat similar to China's interest in the Kunming-Kyaukphyu or Muse-Kyaukphyu railway and road projects for its own outlet to the Indian Ocean," the analyst said. "India critically needs a good maritime outlet for its seven northeastern states. Currently, India has to rely on a narrow corridor within its own territory known as Siliguri to connect with its northeast. Relying solely on that corridor makes them feel insecure in the long run if military conflicts or other difficulties arise, because the route is narrow, passes between countries like Bangladesh with which relations have fluctuated, and is close to China. The idea is to break through via Myanmar's Kaladan River. Furthermore, traveling from Kolkata via this route cuts the distance by about 1,000 kilometers, meaning it is much more cost-effective. Because of this, India signed an agreement to build this route back in 2008. Due to various setbacks along the way, it has been an on-and-off process. India has already signed agreements committing to fund and build it entirely. For successive Myanmar governments, the development and transportation connectivity of that specific region didn't seem to be a high priority because the route enters India from Chin State, north of Rakhine State. However, it is crucial for India. If they gain the right to operate and use this route, it will make traveling to and connecting with their northeastern region much easier."

The Indian Ambassador inspecting the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.

The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project is a combined sea, river, and land transport project aimed at connecting Mizoram State in northeast India and Kolkata via Sittwe Port in Myanmar.

This project is a key component of India’s Act East Policy. It is understood that India is seeking an alternative route to transport goods to its northeastern region, bypassing the Siliguri Corridor—also known as the "Chicken's Neck"—which currently connects India to its northeast above northern Bangladesh.

Another political analyst told CNI News that since the areas where the India-Myanmar Kaladan project is being implemented are currently under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), negotiations between the Myanmar military and the AA may emerge. The analyst added that a situation could arise where the government grants the AA a self-administered status similar to that of the "Wa" region.

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing seen at the India-Myanmar Economic Forum.

"Looking at the practical situation, the military is reaching agreements and inviting investments to resume work despite not having territorial control over the area. This suggests they intend to negotiate and settle issues regarding ethnic armed groups like the AA, TNLA, and MNDAA in the future. In other words, I don't think they intend to launch an all-out fight to regain total control as before. This is because if they want to work in those regions now, they have to communicate and negotiate with the group in control. The AA leader, General Twan Mrat Naing, has already stated that they welcome the projects and will provide security guarantees. Since he said that, there will naturally be a quid pro quo. They will demand their dues in return for protecting these projects, and those demands will likely include weapons and ammunition. As a result, these regions might become fully self-administered zones in the future. We already have a precedent for this in Myanmar—the 'Wa' State. The constitution designates it as the Wa Self-Administered Division, but they define themselves as 'Wa State' and view themselves as having full self-governance. The AA has stated before that they want the same status as Wa State. If we avoid the path of mutual destruction, which wastes lives and property, and seek a political settlement at the negotiating table rather than on the battlefield, the projects planned by China and India can succeed, and economic development can follow," the analyst said.

Military and political observers point out that just as India is important to Myanmar due to mutually beneficial sectors in bilateral trade, Myanmar remains an equally vital neighbor for India.

On June 1, 2026, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing met in New Delhi to discuss rare earth elements, trade, and security matters.

CNI News

June 10, 2026

Although the government and political parties have agreed on 43 points regarding the amendment of the 2008 Constitution, it is learned that an agreement to amend Section 261 has not yet been reached.

Following a meeting in January 2025 between the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) and the working group of the political parties bloc, both sides stated that they had reached an agreement on 43 points to amend the 2008 Constitution.

However, political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News that vital provisions are still missing from those 43 agreed points, and no precise agreement has been reached yet regarding the amendment of Section 261.

"Although we keep calling it '43 points,' what is actually being amended does not really amount to 43 significant changes," U Htet Aung Kyaw said. "Furthermore, some of those points are just minor wording adjustments. Major or critical laws are mostly absent from the current amendment list. There were discussions to amend all clauses related to the highly critical Section 261. It was agreed that they would amend all of them after thoroughly discussing the interrelated sections that need to be addressed. However, the discussions on this matter have not yet concluded. Because of that, it was not included in the 43 points. In reality, these 43 points are not enough. We need amendments that align with the current era and system, as well as adjustments based on what has already been tested in our administrative framework. The most important thing is to ensure that our operations always stay relevant and compatible with the changing times and systems."

President U Min Aung Hlaing seen during an event.

On March 10, 2026, before stepping down as Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services, current President U Min Aung Hlaing stated that the demands of Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs), matters concerning constitutional amendment, and necessary agreements and discussions for the region and the country would be re-evaluated in the parliament that will emerge in the near future.

President U Min Aung Hlaing has subsequently stated that discussions are underway to make amendments to Myanmar's 2008 Constitution to make it compatible with the present era, adding that measures must also be taken to protect the country from matters that could bring harm.

Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News that while an agreement has been reached on 43 points to amend the 2008 Constitution, it is still unknown whether the NSPNC has submitted them to the President, and the status of the tripartite approval remains unclear.

A parliamentary session in progress.

"There is what the President himself has said. He mentioned that these 43 agreed points, along with the agreements from the peace conferences, will be combined and submitted to parliament to amend the constitution and move toward a federal democracy," Dr. Aye Maung said. "Therefore, the constitution will still contain provisions that do not yet need to be amended alongside those that do. However, these 43 points were discussed based on the stance that they *must* be amended given the current political and military situation. So, agreements have been reached on 43 points, while just over 10 points remain. Both sides have reached a mutual understanding and recorded it, but I cannot say whether the NSPNC has yet to submit it to the President, if it is currently being submitted, if approval has been granted, or if it is stalled because tripartite confirmation cannot be achieved yet. There are over 14 points [left to resolve]."

On April 10, when he was selected as President, U Min Aung Hlaing stated that the 43 constitutional amendment points agreed upon between the NSPNC and the political parties bloc working group would be submitted and discussed in the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (Union Parliament).

Political analysts point out that amending the 2008 Constitution is a massive political process. Amending the majority of the legal sections requires a nationwide referendum, and depending on the nature of the sections to be amended, it involves successive stages requiring both parliamentary approval and the decision of the public.