CNI News
February 21, 2026
Military and political analysts are evaluating how the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) will benefit from the surrender and "return to the legal fold" of Bo Nagar, the leader of the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA).
Bo Nagar was a figure who took up arms for five years following the 2021 political transition, operating within the Spring Revolution in Pale Township, Yinmabin District, Sagaing Region.
U Thein Tun Oo, Executive Director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategic Studies, told CNI News that securing such an individual provides the military with significant advantages, including the cessation of combat, the preservation of human resources, and the opportunity to rehabilitate the region.
He stated, "The most important point is that when someone like Bo Nagar, or any other organization, surrenders, it prevents the unnecessary loss of human resources and lives. By stopping the fighting, there is no need to use ammunition or spend money unnecessarily. That is our biggest gain. Furthermore, because he held arms in that region, there were previously difficulties in building mutual trust, traveling, and negotiating. Now that peace has been established through his surrender, there is a huge advantage for regional rehabilitation and security."
He added, "The military’s position is clear. After this group disarms, if they wish to participate in regional security—even if they transition into a BGF (Border Guard Force) style entity—there are many further benefits to be gained. We will have to wait and see on that front."
The Naypyidaw authorities announced that on February 18, 2026, Naing Lin (aka Nagar), the leader of the BNRA, surrendered to the "legal fold" along with his family members and a cache of weapons and ammunition.
Following Bo Nagar's surrender and cooperation with the military, the NUG (National Unity Government) issued a statement claiming that approximately 150 members of the BNRA have since surrendered to or joined the People's Defense Force (PDF) and local defense groups.
Furthermore, the NUG announced that they have opened cases against Bo Nagar and several BNRA members for seven offenses, including statutory rape, the murder of revolutionary comrades, and raids on PDF checkpoints.
Political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News that because Bo Nagar was a leader in his operational area, his surrender provides the military with "enemy military components," which is highly beneficial.
He said, "It is very beneficial for the military. They gain the enemy’s military intelligence—where they stay, where the headquarters are, who the key players are, and how the supply routes function. They can learn how support was received from the KIA. Since Bo Nagar was a senior figure in his region, the military will obtain all information regarding policy, tactics, and strategy, which is a huge advantage for them."
Following the 2021 political changes, Bo Nagar led the formation of the Pale Township People's Defense Force, which was renamed the Myanmar Royal Dragon Army (MRDA) in 2022.
In 2023, the MRDA formed the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA). It operated in Pale Township, Yinmabin District, as an independent revolutionary group not under the command of the NUG.
