CNI News
May 21, 2026
General Yawd Serk, Chairman of the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS/SSA), stated that some revolutionary groups and leaders have become arrogant and are ruling like masters in the jungle after acquiring wealth and power.
He made these remarks in his message sent on the occasion of the 68th Shan State Revolutionary Day, which falls on May 21, 2026.
"Some leaders and organizations possess only patriotism but do not know how to implement revolutionary methods," Gen. Yawd Serk said. "Because they rely solely on a mindset of hatred against the Burmese military and only know how to fight against the entire Burmese army, they do not know how to resolve various problems when the revolution becomes prolonged. Since they need money for various operations, they seek it.
However, once they gain wealth and power, they become arrogant and start ruling like masters in the jungle. They fight and conflict among themselves over territory and business. Instead of prioritizing the national cause, they focus only on their own group's interests. This has led to localism and factionalism. Fighting among themselves without engaging in dialogue is also a reason why the revolution has been prolonged."
Chairman of the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS/SSA), General Yawd Serk.
He further noted that revolutionary forces and the public should live like water and fish, sharing responsibilities together. However, because those leading the revolution lack understanding and capability, they have treated the relationship between the revolutionary army and the people as that of masters and servants—similar to the practices of the Saopha (Sawbwa) era. He attributed the prolonged nature of the revolution to this approach.
Furthermore, Gen. Yawd Serk explained that the majority of their revolutionary groups lack knowledge of revolutionary techniques, have no revolutionary strategy, and entered the fight with nothing but a mindset of hatred toward the Burmese military without receiving any training. Consequently, due to the lack of a sustainable long-term goal, there have been instances where revolutionaries surrendered to the enemy when facing hardships, or when the enemy used political and organizational incentives to manipulate them.
"Some have transformed into People's Militia Forces (PMFs) and allowed themselves to be used by the enemy," he added. "Some have turned into the eyes and ears of the enemy. Even among our public, some have focused only on self-preservation and served as the enemy's eyes and ears. The prolonged nature of the revolution is due to the lack of common goals and unity among ourselves."
Members of the RCSS forces.
Gen. Yawd Serk emphasized that while a revolution is extremely difficult, involves great risks, and requires exchanging life, blood, and sweat for the country, it is carried out with a vision for the future of the nation spanning hundreds or thousands of years.
He also pointed out that revolutions in other countries succeeded because they set clear determinations and objectives, and worked together cohesively. Therefore, he urged everyone to correct their mindsets and working methods, and to learn from past mistakes.
In conclusion, General Yawd Serk urged everyone to study politics, military affairs, and strategies, to prioritize national interests, to love, unite, and correct one another, and to refrain from blaming each other.
