CNI News

16 November 2023

As battles are breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA) in northern Rakhine State, Rakhine-Bangladesh trade has halted, according to traders. 

Due to the battles, roads and waterways have been closed starting from 13th November 2023, Rakhine State Administration Council stated. Because the trade has halted, perishable goods such as fresh water rohu, ginger and onion that were at the Sittwe Port and on the way were damaged, an official from the Rakhine State Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, told CNI News.

" We can't do anything because all the roads and waterways. Perishable goods have been damaged. The good like fish, ginger and onion have gone bad.. The economy is more affected" he said.

While seeing weapons and ammunition seized by the AA after a battle between the Tatmadaw and the AA in Rakhine State

All the roads among towns and among villages have been closed and all entrances to Rakhine State from Ayeyarwady and Magway Regions have been closed reportedly.
It is reported that it is currently difficult to preserve freshwater rohu fish that has been brough to Sittwe in order to export them to Bangladesh in cold storage.

So, it was necessary to re-open the trade routes, U Maung Naing, a trader who is exporting aqua products to Bangladesh, told CNI News. 

" It is necessary to re-open the trade routes as soon as possible. Because the fish has been here for two days, freshwater fish can't be kept in the cold room. As soon as fuel is no more, they can't be freezed. And then the fish is damaged. No onw can buy a large amount of fish. Locals don't eat this kind of fish as well." he said.

While seeing an intersection in Rakhine State

Because all the roads and waterways have been currently closed in Rakhine State, Sittwe border trade is more affected than Maungdaw border trade, said traders. As aqua products and agricultural products were limited to be exported starting from last month, there is almost no trade at the Maungdaw border trade, said the traders from Maungdaw.

If the trade routes have been closed for long, locals are worried that commodity prices will be high and there will be shortages of goods.

CNI News

16 November 2023

Although the Mon State Salt Industry Department has earmarked to produce more salt, expanding any more of 200 acres for this year's salt production season, some salt farmers are finding it difficult to expand acres reportedly.

 With the increase in the price of fuel and other commodities, due to the scarcity of salt workers, it is not convenient to expand the acreage of salt production, U Hla Tin, a salt farmer from Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State, told CNI News.

" Government officials have asked us to expand acres one year after another. Some salt farmers can expand, but we can't. The prices of fuel and other commodities are going up. Salt workers are also rare. So, we are finding it difficult to expand." he said.

While seeing salt farmers

The salt fields are currently being repaired for this year's salt season and salt farmers will start producing salt next month reportedly. Because the salt stored in the rainy season is being sold by salt farmers, the salt price is falling in the market, Ko Kyaw Lwin who operates the salt business, told CNI News.

" We were selling salt during the rainy season. At first, we could sell salt at 200 kyats per viss (3.6 lb). But now the price is just 180 kyats. If the new salt appears in the coming year, the price will fall. The workers are also scarce and the cost is high as well. We, salt farmers, don't expect too much. We go on working because we are worried that our fields will be damaged." said Ko Kyaw Lwin.

Although the government did not provide loans to salt farmers in the previous years, it is providing loans to salt farmers at a rate of 500,000 kyats per salt furnace this year reportedly. 

While seeing salt farmers

However, because the loan must be repaid within a year, the farmers are finding it difficult, U Hla Tin, a salt farmer from Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State, told CNI News.

" The government provides loans for a year. The loan must be repaid within a year. You can take loan after repay the loan. Farmers are in two minds whether they should take loans. We, salt farmers are given, but we don't get sort of. It is difficult for salt farmers to repay the loans within one year." he said.

Last year, Mon State had more than 90 salt blocks and produced salt on more than 4,000 acres. Mon State Salt Industry Department has earmarked to produce more salt, expanding any more of 200 acres. 

The salt produced in Mon State is used in Mon State, Yangon Region, Tanintharyi Region and Bago Region.

CNI News

16 November 2023

The battles between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA) could take place for long, U Myo Kyaw, spokesperson of the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA), told CNI News. 

Although the two sides agreed to cease fire due to the mediation by Mr.Sasakawa, a Japanese special envoy in November 2022, according to the current situation, there is no situation that could stop the battles, he said.

" According to the current situation, even if such a mediation was made, it would be impossible to stop the fighting because now the war is not only in Rakhine but also throughout the country. Battles are severely taking place across the country. For example, the Karenni National Defense Army (KNDF) forces are fighting to capture Loikaw in Kayah State. Moreover, battles are breaking out in northern Shan State, northern Sagaing Region, Chin State and Rakhine State when everything is related to one another. There might be a nationwide ceasefire if Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing surrenders." said U Myo Kyaw.

While seeing the Myanmar Tatmadaw

The AA fought against police stations and border guard posts in Rathedaung, Kyauktaw and Minbya Townships, Rakhine State starting from 13th November after which the battles between the two sides took place again. 

There were attacks on weak police stations in Rakhine State and as a military strategy, police stations were being merged, said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of the Tatmadaw.

" In Rakhine State, the AA forces came and fought against Hnown Bu to the north of Paletwa about 11:45 a.m. But he enemy retreated with many casualties. We have merged weak police stations. They have stated as a propaganda that they attacked and captured police stations. We are, as a military tactics, we are merging weak camps." he said.

In sympathy with the loss and suffering of the Rakhine people, the two sides agreed to cease fire on 26th November, 2022. According to the current situation, the two sides would not discuss for peace, U Kyi Myint, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

A group of jet fighters of the Myanmar Tatmadaw

 " A certain side that is in a bad situation in a war tends to offer peace and when both the two sides are weak, both of them accept peace again. Now that the AA is gathering steam, it seems to go on fighting at that speed." said U Kyi Myint.

At present the battles are taking place between the Tatmadaw and the AA in Rathedaung, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Mrauk U and Maungdaw Townships, Rakhine State including in Paletwa Township in Chin State. 

Moreover, in cooperation with other EAOs, the AA is fighting against the Tatmadaw in Sagaing Region and northern Shan State.

CNI News

15 November 2023

After the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF) have started battles to capture Loikaw City, a lot of residents are trapped, a Loikaw resident told CNI News.

The battles that was launched since 11th November have been severe up to now and there are airstrikes and heavy weapon fires, he added.

" The battles have been breaking out for two or three days day and night and both heavy weapons and small firearms are being used. We, residents, are trapped. Because  on the way that we will run away are battles, we have to run towards the south or north or east or west so as to be safe" he said.

While seeing the entrance to Loikaw City

The current situation was that revolutionary forces all over the country were waging battles to build a federal democratic union and the State Administration Council's mechanism in Loikaw must be demolished in order to overthrow the dictatorship in Karenni State and to obtain self-determination, said Khun Bi Htoo, chairman of the KNDF on 13th November 2023.

Because the KNDF was more afraid that the dictatorship would take root although there could be damages in consequences of the battles that were intended to capture the city, the KNDF made a decision to wage the operation. So, the people were requested to move to safety temporarily, said Khun Bi Htoo.

Because there is no more of the flow of goods, the amount of foodstuff has declined. Moreover, there were civilian deaths as well, said a Loikaw resident. 

While seeing two comrades of the KNDF

" we haven't heard the news about the casualty exactly. Rumor has it there might be casualty. There was an airstrike last night. A plane has been already in flight over the town since 6:00 a.m. this morning and now it's bombing as well." he said to CNI News.

20 people were killed by heavy weapons in Pekon, Mobye and Loikaw Towns from 11th November when the operation was launched to 13th November. 

Among those killed were four women, 13 men and the remaining three were still unknown, the Karenni Human Rights Organization stated on 14th November 2023.

Revolutionary forces have informed the people not to use the Loikaw-Pekon Road, the Loikaw-Sesai Road and the Loikaw-Demoso Road for the time being and the flight trips have been suspended due to the battles reportedly.

CNI News

14 November, 2023

Joint forces from the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the People's Defense Force (PDF) have been fighting since morning of 14th November to capture Banmauk, upper Sagaing Region. 

So, KIA/PDF joint forces are at battles against the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) that is carrying out for the security of Banmauk.

Over 2000 KIA/PDF joint forces are attacking the SNA in three columns - one from the northwest of Banmauk, one from Myit Thay Chin Village to the south of Banmauk and one from Kainggyi Tone Hlaw Village to the northeast of Banmauk, said locals.

While seeing a SNA comrade

In collaboration with the Arakan Army(AA), the People's Defense Force (PDF), the All Burma Students Democratic Front and Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-Burma), the KIA is waging three operations - an operation centered on Tigyaing, one centered on Banmauk and one centered on Katha, Kawlin and Kant Balu. 

If these operations were successful, the KIA would go on waging operation in Chin State, Sagaing Region and Rakhine State after connecting with the AA, the Chin National Front (CNF), the Chin National Defense Force (CNDF) and the PDF.

So, the KIA is trying hard in order to capture Banmauk, Homalin, Katha, Pinlebu, Tigyaing and Kant Balu Towns in upper Sagaing Region.

CNI News

14 November 2023

The State Administration Council stated on 13th November that it has been able to regain control of Tigyaing Town in Sagaing Region from the hands of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the People's Defense Force (PDF) joint forces.

The KIA/PDF joint forces entered Tigyaing in full force on 9th November and set up camps inside houses, religious and government buildings and started fighting.

After that, the Tatmadaw retook control of Tigyaing on 12th November with a ground offensive after carrying out heavy airstrikes, said locals.

After KIA/PDF joint forces retreated, the Tatmadaw was clearing mines and going to do rehabilitation work so that residents could live again, the SAC stated.

Leading its allies - the Arakan, the People's Defense Force, the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF), the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-Burma), the KIA was waging an operation centered on Tigyaing, one centered on Banmauk and one centered on Katha, Kawlin and Kant Balu.

If these operations were successful, the KIA would try to capture upper half of Myanmar after connecting and collaborating with revolutionary forces in Chin State, Magway Region and Rakhine State.

CNI News

14 November 2023

As the Tazaungdaing Festival will be held in southern Shan State, almost every hotel room there has been booked for the Tazaungdaing holiday. 

However, as battles are taking place in northern Shan State, there is no tourist who will go there reportedly.

Because the Taunggyi Tazaungdaing Balloon Festival will be held in a crowded manner from 21st to 27th November, there have been hardly any rooms to be booked at present, U Sithu Kyaw, deputy director of the Shan State Hotel and Tourism Directorate, told CNI News.

" It seems to be difficult to get a hotel room for the Tazaungdaing festival days. Rooms are not available at all for 25th and 26th November. The office holiday becomes three days including Tazaungdaing Festival day. After that, the Mee Shaw Taing (Fire Pole) Festival will be held in Kalaw. So, hotel rooms will be fully booked." he said.

While seeing people who are trapped near Par Sin Kyaw Village between Laukkai and Chin Shwe Haw

During the Tazaungdaing Festival, about nine balloons will be launched each night and beautiful balloons will be also launched in the daytime reportedly.

This year balloon festival will be held to become like the situation before the Covid-19 pandemic reportedly. 

Although there are festivals and hotel bookings in southern Shan State, there are hardly any tourists who come to northern Shan State and the tourists who were staying there have already gone back, U Zaw Zaw, chairman of the Hotel Entrepreneurs Association (northern Shan State), told CNI News.

IDP camps that are opened at BP-125, Chinese-Myanmar border

" Last year, there were quite a lot of tourists who came here. At a time like this last year, if you didn't book hotel rooms three days in advance, you wouldn't get a room. Because the battles are taking place in many parts, few tourists have come here. Even tourists who have already arrived here find it difficult to go home. There are many IDPs only in the border area. Chinese tourists haven't come. There are hardly any tourists who enter here." said U Zaw Zaw.

Moreover, tourists have been limited to enter northern Shan State since before. The tourism sector will recover only if the current battles end, the roads are safe and the flow of goods can run normally, said people. 
 
In addition, airlines going to northern Shan State have been closed since October 28 and have not been reopened to date reportedly.

CNI News

14 November 2023

Battles have been restarted between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army in Rakhine State on 13th November 2023 and roads have been closed, a local told CNI News. 

The AA fought police stations and border guard posts in Rathedaung, Kuauktaw and Minpya Townships starting from 5:00 a.m. on 13th November 2023 reportedly. 

Soon after the battles were launched, roads in Rakhine State have been closed and because of closure like that, locals might find it difficult, said a Sittwe resident.

"Kyauktan Bus Terminal, exit from Sittwe has been closed. Other terminals have been closed as well including bus terminals in Ann and Gwa Towns. We have only two paths - waterways and roads. We can use waterways to transport non-perishable goods only. Largely, we transport vegetables and foodstuff by road only. If the roads are closed, locals get into trouble" he said to CNI News.

While seeing an intersection in Rakhine State

Together with not only the Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State but also revolutionary forces in Kachin State and Sagaing Region, the AA is taking part in the battles fighting against the Tatmadaw. 

It was expected that AA's military activities in Rakhine State would increase as the Spring Revolution was gaining momentum, U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator told CNI News.

" Temporary agreements between the Tatmadaw and the AA will be broken as the Spring Revolution is gaining momentum. We are expecting Rakhine State will gain its independence and sovereignty with the development of the Spring Revolution. It's just the beginning. Later, I hope we'll see the AA's fighting against the Tatmadaw in the entire Rakhine State." he said.

Political problems should be solved with the political means and because of the wars, the locals had difficulty in making a living, said a Sittwe resident. 

While seeing Mrauk U Town in Rakhine State

" During a war, everyone is suffering. The people suffer more. If a battle break out in other regions, only the people around the place where the battle takes place get into trouble. But in our Rakhine State, almost all the Rakhine people get into trouble more or less because the roads are closed. We don't know who to blame. War is not good. We want stakeholders to solve political problems with political means. As one of ordinary people, we don't have the ability to speak effectively except thinking and worrying about the future of ourselves and our environment." said a Sittwe resident.

The fighting between the AA and the Tatmadaw in Rakhine State that suspended for almost two years came back in August, 2022.

After that, in consideration of the loss and suffering of the local people in Rakhine State, the two sides agreed to cease fire starting from 26th November 2022.

However, after the AA started fighting police stations and border guard posts in Rathedaung, Kyauktaw and Minpya Townships, battles broke out again.

CNI News

13 November, 2023

Six townships in the Northeastern Command and two townships in the Regional Command Headquarters (Laukkai) area in northern Shan State have been designated as martial law regions, the State Administration Council (SAC) stated on 12th November 2023. 

The two townships in regional command headquarters (Laukkai) are Konkyan and Laukkai townships.

The six townships in the Northeastern Command are Kutkai, Kunlong, Namkham, Muse, Lashio and Theinni. Joint forces from the Three Brotherhood Alliance (MNDAA, AA and TNLA), the Bamar People Liberation Army (BPLA) and Mandalay People's Defense Force (MDY-PDF) fought and captured the Tatmadaw's military camps in these regions with an operation named Operation-1027.

Currently, the battles are severely taking place between the two sides and more than 100 Tatmadaw's camps have been captured, revolutionary forces stated.