CNI News

March 4, 2026

Ethnic groups told CNI News that it would be better if the State Government prioritized ethnic unity and provided the best support to ethnic armed groups with a magnanimous and "fatherly" attitude.

A Naga ethnic individual stated that because the country is moving toward a federal system, ethnic organizations must be recognized according to their respective states, and the central government can no longer maintain total dominance.

He said, "Taking up arms and revolting is about preserving our own cultural customs and protecting our own territories. That is why they are armed. Ethnic armed groups are not rebels. The Myanmar Military usually refers to them as rebels, but they are not. Since they are organizations protecting their own people, they will continue to exist. Regarding this, I believe it would be better if the State Government acted with a broad-minded, mature, and fatherly spirit toward its own 'children'—the ethnic people and their regions—by developing them, providing the best care, and prioritizing ethnic unity instead of pursuing chauvinism. When the Military tries to keep ethnic armed groups only as People’s Militia or Border Guard Forces, there is no reason for them to accept it. For instance, there must be a Kachin Army, and similarly, there must be a Naga Army. If the Federal Army and State Armies can negotiate and integrate, only then will the federalism Myanmar desires be successful. The current way of 'bundling' everything into a federal label—like giving a child pocket money just to show the world—is unacceptable to me as an ethnic person."

KIA Lieut-Gen Gun Maw seen with the Chin Brotherhood.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated that armed conflicts have emerged within the country because attempts were made to solve political problems through violent means rather than political solutions.

Similarly, he said that some Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) are striving to control and govern territories, and are benefiting themselves by illegally extracting and selling natural resources and drugs.

Political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News that ethnic armed groups should demand the rights they want through peaceful democratic means and that there is no reason to take up arms.

He said, "To be honest, they are using beautiful words for all the rights they want. There is every reason to demand what you want through peaceful democratic methods and political means. There is no reason to be armed. Regarding the concept of being a 'dutiful father,' it doesn't mean just standing by and watching without fighting back. In terms of administration, a country cannot be split into two. Therefore, the way forward is to demand everything they desire through peaceful and political means. Their claims that they must act this way because the government is not 'fatherly' are just a justification. In reality, we cannot accept these words."

Currently, intense fighting is taking place across Myanmar between the Myanmar Military and armed groups.

Leaders of UWSA, SSPP, and NDAA seen with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

In these armed conflicts, the KIA is providing arms and ammunition to the Arakan Army (AA), Chin (CNF), Naga armed groups, PDFs, Kuki (KNO), and the Student Army (ABSDF), carrying out "town-seizure" battles in Kachin State, Sagaing Region, and Northern Shan State.

KIA leader Lieut-Gen Gun Maw stated that to ensure the security of KIA territories in Kachin State, they must fight the enemy from Sagaing Region. He mentioned that by implementing the "Ka Thone Lone" operation (Kantbalu-Kawlin-Katha) in Sagaing, they must control the northern and lower regions of Myanmar.

Furthermore, he stated that as ethnic armed groups move past 2025, their considerations will extend beyond federalism.

Currently, the AA expects a "Confederation" level at minimum and will go as far as independence; the TNLA has stated they must prepare to establish a state; and the MNDAA is working to retake and rebuild its Special Region.

Some Karen armed groups have announced the establishment of "Kawthoolei State," while the UWSA has established a separate administrative system, building self-rule and self-determination.

Naga armed groups also aim to unite Naga people from both Myanmar and India to establish a "Free Naga Federation" or a "Naga Nation."