CNI News

30 August 2024 

Ethnic groups need to unite so as to solve internal problems, Director of Eastern Division of the Zomi Revolutionary Army, Puzothang told CNI News. 

It would be difficult to find an answer for the current conflicts; it was necessary to negotiate and consult among ethnic groups so as not to damage the entire country, he said.

" It's hard to say what the answer is. There are many different ethnic groups not only in Chin State but also in Shan State. There are northern allies in northern Shan State and Shan ethnic armed groups in eastern Shan State. For the time being, it's hard to find an answer. It's necessary to negotiate and consult among ethnic groups so as not to damage the whole country. If you have your own state and it's convenient in your state, that's OK. But this idea must be abandoned. If all the ethnic groups are united, it will be effective when they discuss with the military dictator. Otherwise, if EAOs are not united, it's still difficult to find an answer." said Puzothang.

While seeing ethnic people

In Myanmar, there are many EAOs and some are NCA signatories, some are southern organizations, some are northern organizations, some are close to western groups and some are close to China. 

At present, some NCA signatories are discussing peace with the SAC while some EAOs, in collaboration with Spring Revolution elements, are fighting against the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

In the past, 21 EAOs met and discussed with the government and at present, their beliefs were declining in the discussion, chairperson of the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) Daw Saw Mya Raza Lin told CNI News.

While seeing leaders from various organizations

 "21 EAOs discussed with the Union Peace Working Committee of the government in 2012 and 2013. We were able to start talking from a situation where we were fighting against each other and we were able to build mutual trust to an extent. But now, their beliefs have declined. At any rate, we need to push to make talks emerge. Mainly, the more we can meet and discuss, the more we can build mutual trust." she said.

Although some EAOs, some political parties, ethnic elements, the ASEAN and some international organizations are making efforts in order to resolve armed conflicts that are currently taking place, they have not been able to solve it.