CNI News
20 November 2025
In the Mansigyi area of Banmauk Township, upper Sagaing Region, the Shan New Year Festival marking the transition from Maha Shan Year 2119 to 2120 was celebrated on 19 November 2025.
The Mansigyi area where the festival was held is under the control of the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA), which is providing security in the area.
Banmauk town, along with its southern, northern, and eastern outskirts, is currently controlled by joint KIA–PDF–Kadu forces. These joint forces launched an offensive on Banmauk on 15 September 2025 and captured the town on 20 September.
The SNA has since been conducting counter-offensives in an attempt to retake Banmauk, and local residents report that SNA troops have advanced to within one mile of the town.
Daily clashes continue between the SNA and the joint KIA–PDF–Kadu forces across Banmauk Township.
Despite the intensified fighting, Shan communities are carrying on with the traditional celebration of the Shan New Year. The Kadu ethnic group also took part in the festivities.
