CNI News
March 3, 2026
Pu Pu Htan, spokesperson for the Zomi National Party (ZNP), told CNI News that any potential agreement between the Indian government and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) could pose a significant danger to Myanmar’s political landscape.
On February 5, 2026, KIA leader Lieutenant General Gun Maw stated that after implementing and controlling the "Ka-Thone-Lone" operation (covering Kantbalu, Kawlin, and Katha) in the Sagaing Region, the KIA would proceed to control the entire northern and southern regions.
He claimed that they are currently working to stabilize and control the entire northern area, including the Kachin unit, Chin unit, Naga unit, and the "Ka-Thone-Lone" area. He added that once the upper region is secured, the lower region can be easily controlled.
Pu Pu Htan (ZNP) remarked that the KIA’s plan would be difficult to implement without the assistance of a neighboring government. He suggested that if India is attempting to secure rare earth minerals from the KIA, Lieutenant General Gun Maw’s predictions could become a reality.
Indian Prime Minister Modi, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
"We don’t know to what extent they have reached agreements with the Indian government. It’s not easy without the help of a foreign country. Geopolitically, Chin State is vital. However, without the involvement of the Indian or Chinese governments in their armed struggle, it’s unlikely to materialize. This could also be propaganda. On the surface, the Indian government isn’t at a stage where it can be fully trusted; they [the KIA] could become tools if they aren't careful. It depends on India’s policy. If India is focused on acquiring rare earth minerals, what Lt. Gen. Gun Maw said could happen. India could use the KIA and Chin groups. It’s not as easy as Gun Maw says for him to do it alone. But we must be cautious about the level of understanding he has with the Indian government. If an agreement has been reached, it is dangerous—very dangerous."
In December 2025, the U.S.-based Silicon Valley Times reported that a secret investigation revealed a confidential agreement between India and the KIA. The report stated that this agreement involves strategic cooperation for rare earth mineral extraction while Myanmar’s sovereignty is weakened.
Furthermore, in his February 5, 2026, speech, Lieutenant General Gun Maw emphasized that they are prioritizing Chin State affairs, believing that Chin State’s resources could lead to nationwide success. He stated they are working diligently for the liberation of the entire Chin State.
Rare earth minerals.
Regarding these comments on Chin State, U Soe Htet, Chairman of the Chin National Congress Party (NCC), told CNI that while it’s unclear if a major power is influencing the situation, Chin State is geographically close to both Bangladesh and India.
"Kachin State is closest to China. Our Chin State is close to both India and Bangladesh. So, we don’t know how the background support is linked. In reality, Mizoram and Manipur states in India are areas where many Chin people reside. Thus, there could be cross-border interactions and mutual assistance. Kachin is close to China. Historically, Kachins and Chins are kindred, and they support each other in military operations. We cannot know the details of whether a major power is influencing this."
The Silicon Valley Times previously reported that India is constructing a 365-km road from Vijaynagar in Arunachal Pradesh to rare earth mines in Chipwi, Kachin State. This road, allegedly built without the Myanmar government's permission, would allow India to access rare earth resources in exchange for providing weapons, medicine, and other logistical support to the KIA.
The Ledo Road.
The partnership agreement reportedly includes a secret plan to build a second strategic corridor connecting the KIA headquarters in Laiza through Sagaing Region to Rihkhawdar in Chin State. Funding for this corridor would allegedly come from illegal timber smuggling networks, ensuring long-term exports of rare earth minerals, oil, and teak to India.
The report also claimed that India’s military support—including advanced weapon systems and medical supplies sent via Arunachal Pradesh—has enhanced the KIA's capabilities in its confrontation with the Myanmar military. In return, the KIA reportedly promised to crack down on anti-India insurgent groups, including the NSCN-K/YA, and quietly supported Indian claims in the disputed Chin State and Kabaw Valley regions.
However, the KIA has denied these allegations.
