CNI News

February 20, 2026

Military and political analysts are weighing in on the potential reasons behind the surrender of Bo Nagar (aka Naing Lin), leader of the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA), to the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw).

On February 18, 2026, Nay Pyi Taw announced that BNRA leader Naing Lin and his family members had entered the "legal fold" (surrendered) along with weapons and ammunition.

Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, an observer of China-Myanmar affairs, told CNI News that Bo Nagar’s surrender indicates a lack of unity among revolutionary organizations and suggests that the National Unity Government (NUG) was weak in its efforts to proactively organize and persuade him.

"We don’t know if Bo Nagar had contact with the military long ago, as some suspect. Revolutionaries must always be alert; the military junta has very successful methods for its survival—specifically, 'divide and rule.' They did the same to our party (the Burma Communist Party). They divide and then succeed," she said.

She further noted that the military targets commanders who may be involved in the drug trade or those whose lifestyles do not align with that of a revolutionary.

"The military has been doing this since the BSPP (Burma Socialist Programme Party) era. They have been quite successful at it. I think the NUG side was weak in taking the initiative to organize and reconcile with Bo Nagar to keep him on their side. When conflicts arise between revolutionary groups, we must try to find solutions through peaceful negotiation. This event shows that our revolutionary organizations are not united. It is a lesson that we need to work harder for unity," Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw added.

NUG Defense Minister U Yee Mon and PDF members.

The surrender occurred on February 18, 2026, just one day after NUG-affiliated forces raided and attacked three BNRA camps in Pale Township, Sagaing Region, on February 17.

Prior to these events, Bo Nagar had been vocal in his criticism of the NUG. Tensions escalated on January 9, 2026, when NUG-aligned forces raided two BNRA checkpoints in Pale Township. In retaliation, the BNRA raided a checkpoint operated by the NUG’s People’s Defense Organization (PaKaPha) on January 17. These mutual raids led to severe military tensions, culminating in the February 17 attack on the three BNRA camps.

Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), told CNI News that building unity in a revolution is difficult. He suggested that if an agreement is reached with the military, Bo Nagar might reorganize his forces into a pro-military militia.

"It seems Bo Nagar took an interest in the NCA (Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement) or ceasefire paths. He likely wants to remain in his own territory with his own armed group under a ceasefire agreement. Since he clashed with NUG troops, their positions may have diverged. In a revolution, unity is hard to build; it requires harmony in both ideology and methodology," Colonel Khun Okkar said.

The BNRA led by Bo Nagar.

He added that if the current ruling administration allows Bo Nagar to retain his position by forming a People's Militia or a Border Guard Force (BGF), he might end up like previous NCA signatory groups. "There are many possibilities; we have to wait and see."

Following the 2021 political shift, 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, he reorganized the MRDA into the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA). The group operated in Yinmabin District and Pale Township as an independent revolutionary force, not under the command of the NUG.

CNI News

February 20, 2026

In order to develop the Naga Self-Administered Zone in Sagaing Region, improvements are needed in education, transportation, healthcare services, and the supply of medicines, according to U Shu Maung, Chairman of the Naga National Party (NNP), in an interview with CNI News.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, said that necessary measures would be undertaken to support development in the Naga Self-Administered Zone of Sagaing Region, one of the least developed areas in Myanmar.

He made the remarks during meetings with departmental officials and local elders in Lahe and Leshi towns on February 16, 2026.

U Shu Maung stated that many tasks remain to be addressed for regional development.

He said: “When it comes to development, there are many issues to talk about. At present, basic development needs are urgent. Healthcare services are critically needed. There is a shortage of healthcare workers. We also need medical supplies and equipment for hospitals and clinics. In our region, we do not have specialists such as ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctors or ophthalmologists. This creates significant difficulties. Basic healthcare needs, including general medicines, X-ray services, and blood testing, are severely lacking.

Local residents presenting their concerns during the visit.

Similarly, in the education sector, we need school buildings and educational support. There is still a shortage of teachers. For basic development, roads and bridges are also urgently needed, as the Naga region is geographically challenging.”

The Pangsaung mountain pass route connecting the Naga region with India is a key border trade route. However, poor transportation infrastructure and difficulties in transporting goods via the Monywa–Homalin–Hkamti river route have disrupted the flow of goods and contributed to food shortages.

Although there are expectations that implementing formal border trade would improve livelihoods and facilitate the movement of goods, there are still limitations in officially opening border trade routes.

Regarding regional development, U Shu Maung said that effective management of border trade and coordination between both sides of the border would significantly support development efforts.

He explained: “Our development activities rely heavily on the Chindwin River. During summer, the river route can be blocked due to low water levels. Even when it is open, political instability creates difficulties, as we depend mainly on the river route to Monywa. This causes serious problems with rice, cooking oil, and salt supplies.

We depend heavily on India. If cross-border trade with India could be strengthened with better transportation infrastructure usable year-round, it would greatly improve livelihoods in the Naga region. With proper management and coordination on both sides, improved trade would provide substantial support.”

Education in the Naga Self-Administered Zone (Leshi, Lahe, and Nanyun) has lagged behind due to remoteness and transportation difficulties. However, the government and local communities are working together to promote KG+9 basic education and vocational training. There remains a shortage of teachers and high dropout rates. Efforts are being made to develop human resources through technical and agricultural training programs, according to local residents.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

U Sharm Maw, Chairman of the Naga Traditional Cultural Committee in Hkamti Township, told CNI News that education should be the top priority for development.

He said: “Priority number one is education. Number two is healthcare. Number three is roads and bridges. Teachers are severely lacking. There are many villages where schools cannot even open. Some primary schools have only one teacher for the entire school. Even middle schools may have only two or three teachers. Education must be prioritized.
If relations between the governments of India and Myanmar improve and a properly managed economic zone can be implemented, it would be very beneficial.”

Government officials also submitted requests during Senior General Min Aung Hlaing’s visit on February 16, 2026, including:

Expanding departmental offices appropriate to the Naga region’s administrative level. Constructing a town hall for the Naga Self-Administered Zone,Establishing a disaster management department, Improving telecommunications services,Facilitating border trade activities.

Additionally, they requested sufficient electricity supply in parts of Leshi town and surrounding rural areas, construction of an advanced reservoir to ensure adequate water supply for the Matuki hydropower plant, and upgrading the Htamanthi–Leshi–Sumpra road to allow year-round travel.

CNI News

February 19, 2026

There are ongoing discussions among military and political analysts regarding what concessions the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), which aims to establish a Kachin Wunpawng Republic, might seek.

In 1994, when the KIA signed a ceasefire agreement with the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), it reportedly requested control of Hpakant but did not receive it, analysts pointed out.

Therefore, based on the current territorial situation in 2026, Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai-Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), told CNI News that the KIA may now use rare earth minerals and jade as bargaining chips.

He said: “At present, the situation involves rare earth resources. As for demanding a full Kachin Wunpawng Republic, I don’t think they would go that far right now. But their long-term objective is indeed a Kachin Wunpawng Republic. At this time, they control Hpakant jade mines and rare earth resources. They may use those as leverage in negotiations. Back in the 1994 peace process, KIA requested that the government grant them Hpakant, but the government refused. Instead, there may have been another arrangement made with the ABSDF. That is why, after the ceasefire, the KIA reportedly expelled ABSDF forces. Currently, I believe their main bargaining tools are rare earth minerals and jade.”

Lt-Gen Gun Maw and former Chinese Special Envoy Mr. Sun Guoxiang seen together

The KIA has reportedly seized areas in Kachin State where rare earth minerals are produced, including the Panwar region, which has nearly 300 mining blocks. These resources are said to be worth billions of dollars.

China is the main buyer of Myanmar’s rare earth minerals. In 2025, India also began taking steps related to Myanmar’s rare earth sector, and analysts believe the United States has shown interest as well.

Although it is not currently evident that the KIA will demand more than these issues, peace process participant U Khun Sai told CNI News that differences between asking price and offering price could require further negotiations.

He said: “They will definitely continue asking for what they are currently demanding. But we have not yet seen indications that they will demand more than that. In negotiations, there is always an asking price. If one side wants to buy something for one million, and the other side wants five million, they must negotiate. Sometimes something called " one million" may end up selling at fifty thousand or five hundred thousand.”

Lt-Gen Gun Maw of KIA and Sagaing Region seen together

Currently, the KIA is supporting the Arakan Army (AA), the Chin National Front (CNF), Naga armed groups, People’s Defense Forces (PDFs), the National Unity Government (NUG), and various PDFs in Sagaing Region by providing weapons and ammunition. They are conducting the “Ka Thone Lone” operation and other offensives aimed at controlling Sagaing Region.

KIA-PDF forces reportedly control Shwe Pyi Aye, Pinlebu, and Indaw towns in Sagaing Region, and are fighting to seize and control Hkamti, Kawlin, Kathar, Wuntho, Tamu, the Naga area, Pale, Monywa, Phaungpyin, Yinmabin, Shwebo, Kalay, Htigyaing, Banmauk, and other towns.

During the Spring Revolution period that began in 2021, the KIA has grown stronger than before. It has supplied weapons and ammunition to many revolutionary groups, provided military training, and supported accommodation needs. It has also supported joint military operations in Sagaing Region and Kachin State.

Additionally, based on remarks made by KIA Deputy Commander-in-Chief Lt-Gen Gun Maw during the Kachin Revolution Day ceremony held in February 2026, analysts believe both military activities and negotiations may intensify.

CNI Article 

February 19, 2026

Kachin Independence Army (KIA) leader Lt-Gen Gun Maw stated that they have designated areas as the Chin Unit, Kachin Unit, Naga Unit, and the Ka Thone Lone area (Kantbalu–Kawlin–Kathar), and that by controlling those areas, they aim to take control of both Upper and Lower Myanmar.

He made these remarks on February 5, 2026, during the 65th Kachin Revolution Day ceremony held in Texas, United States.

However, he did not specify which areas are included in the Naga Unit.

Therefore, questions arise as to whether the Naga Unit includes the Naga Self-Administered Zone in upper Sagaing Region, the Hkamti area, Homalin area, Shwe Pyi Aye area, Phaungpyin area, and Tamu area—or whether it includes only the Naga Self-Administered Zone along with Hkamti and Homalin—or perhaps only the Naga Self-Administered Zone alone.

How do the Naga armed groups such as NSCN-K/AM and NSCN-K/YA view this? What territories do they envision as part of the Naga Unit? Which areas do they include?

Similarly, how do the Eastern Naga National Organization / Eastern Naga Development Association (ENNO/ENDA) and the Naga PDF perceive the Naga Unit described by the KIA? What areas do they consider to be included?

ENNO/ENDA and the Naga PDF are groups that have reportedly received weapons, ammunition, and military training from the KIA, and they have conducted joint operations with the KIA in Kachin State and Sagaing Region. Therefore, it is understood that they may have already reached prior coordination or agreement regarding the Naga Unit territory mentioned by the KIA.

NSCN-K/YA is also reported to have maintained relations and discussions with the KIA, according to local sources, suggesting that they may have some understanding of what territories the KIA refers to as the Naga Unit.

However, NSCN-K/AM is understood to have established relations with various parties and to maintain broader engagement. Therefore, how they conceptualize the Naga Unit territory remains a question.

Naga armed groups aim to unite Naga ethnic communities living across India and Myanmar to establish an independent Naga Federation (or independent Naga state). But which specific territories would be combined to realize that objective?

According to local sources, Naga armed organizations based in Myanmar reportedly envision the Naga Unit as stretching from Tanai–Shin Bway Yan in Kachin State through the Naga Self-Administered Zone in Sagaing Region, extending to Hkamti, Homalin, Shwe Pyi Aye, Phaungpyin, and Tamu.

Nevertheless, how compromises might be reached between the KIA’s definition of the Naga Unit and that of the Naga armed groups remains to be seen. If an agreement were reached, implementing control over the Naga Unit would raise questions about how India, Myanmar, and the Shanni (Tai-Leng) community might respond.

On February 15–16, 2026, Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visited the Naga region (Lahe–Leshi) and Homalin area. During the visit, he called on local people to cooperate for regional peace and security, promised to support development in the Naga region, and accused armed groups of illegally extracting and selling local natural resources for personal gain.

His visit appeared significant, especially as he reportedly did not attend Chinese New Year celebrations in order to make the trip.

Although the specific territories included in the KIA’s Naga Unit designation remain unclear, areas near the Naga region are also inhabited by Shanni and Shan ethnic communities. Therefore, the role of the Shanni may also need to be considered.

India appears to be following a monitoring policy without taking sides in Myanmar’s armed conflict, based on its democratic principles. However, if a situation arises that threatens India’s sovereignty, India’s approach could change.

Currently, India is also facing issues related to Myanmar’s armed conflicts, including drug smuggling, gold smuggling, arms trafficking, refugee inflows, ethnic conflict between Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur State, border fencing disputes involving Indian Naga communities, peace talks with NSCN-IM, and the stalled Kaladan River project.

In any case, if the KIA were able to unite all Naga armed groups and conduct joint operations, combining the Naga Unit with the Ka Thone Lone (Kantbalu–Kawlin–Kathar) operation in Sagaing Region, it could potentially gain control over central and upper Sagaing Region, including all entry points into Kachin State.

Subsequently, efforts could continue to combine control of lower Sagaing Region with the Chin Unit. If lower Sagaing and the Chin Unit were also brought under control, this could create a link to Rakhine State and potentially establish access to the sea.

On another front, by supporting PDFs in Mandalay Region and Magway Region, military pressure could be exerted on central Myanmar while countering the Tatmadaw’s military responses.

Whether the KIA’s strategy of leveraging the Naga Unit to control Sagaing Region and integrate with the Chin Unit will succeed remains to be observed.

CNI News

February 18, 2026

Naypyidaw announced on February 18, 2026, that Naing Lin (aka) Bo Nagar, the leader of the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA), along with his family members, has surrendered together with weapons and ammunition.

Bo Nagar and his family members arrived at a military base in Pale Township, Sagaing Region, to surrender today (February 18) at approximately 4:50 PM, bringing six assorted weapons and related equipment.

The surrender follows an offensive launched on February 17, 2026, by Yinmabin District battalions under the NUG against the BNRA within Pale Township.

During that conflict, more than 10 BNRA soldiers were killed, nine were captured, and various weapons and ammunition were seized.

It was amidst these circumstances that the BNRA leader, Bo Nagar, entered the "light" (surrendered) to the military.

CNI News

February 16, 2026

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the National Security and Peace Restoration Commission, stated that the government will provide necessary support for the development of the Naga Self-Administered Zone in Sagaing Region, an area currently facing significant developmental gaps.

The Senior General made these remarks during a meeting with departmental officials and community elders in Lahe and Leshi towns of the Naga Self-Administered Zone on February 16, 2026.

During the visit, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said, "I have come here to facilitate the requirements for the development of the Naga region. We will continue to support the construction of a festival ground and a multi-purpose hall for traditional festivals in Lahe. To improve regional connectivity, priority will be given to upgrading roads connecting to the mainland. To ease transportation, the Chindwin River Crossing Bridge (Thamanti) has been successfully inaugurated today."

The Thamanti Bridge, which links Homalin District with the Naga region, was officially opened on February 16, 2026.

The Senior General added: "Due to the difficult terrain of the Naga region, road upgrading projects are being carried out annually based on the fiscal year to improve connectivity. Similarly, efforts are underway to ensure the road connecting Lahe and Nanyun is accessible in all seasons. We are also striving to ensure smooth travel on roads leading to the mainland. Because transportation difficulties hinder the transport of materials for regional development, we will continue to work on ensuring secure and smooth regional logistics."

Regarding healthcare, he stated that military specialists would be dispatched if Lahe Township Hospital requires more doctors, and additional health staff would be appointed. He also pledged to provide medical equipment to the extent possible.

Departmental officials submitted several requests, including: Expanding departmental bodies to levels appropriate for the Naga region.Constructing a City Hall for the Naga Self-Administered Zone.Establishing a Department of Disaster Management. Improving telecommunication and mobile services. Facilitating border trade matters. Ensuring sufficient electricity for certain wards in Leshi and rural areas.

Constructing an advanced reservoir and providing modern machinery for the Matugi Hydropower Plant to ensure adequate water supply.

Ensuring the Thamanti-Leshi-Somra road is accessible in all seasons.

The Senior General observed a lack of food self-sufficiency in the Leshi and Lahe areas. He emphasized that local food security is a vital necessity and pledged to implement upland farming projects. He also mentioned that water management for agricultural use would be organized. He urged the expansion of maize and potato cultivation in Lahe and stressed the importance of increasing the production of local crops such as tea, plum, coffee, orange, and avocado.

CNI News

February 16, 2026

Chairman of the State Security and Peace Council, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, stated that many are using politics as a pretext to illegally extract national resources for their own personal benefit within the Sagaing Region.

He delivered these remarks during a meeting with town elders and departmental officials in Homalin, Upper Sagaing Region, on February 15, 2026.

The Senior General noted that the prevalence of unrest in certain areas of Sagaing is fundamentally linked to a lack of knowledge and technical education.

He emphasized that while political disagreements should be resolved through political channels, groups are instead resorting to acts of terrorism.

Resource Exploitation: He alleged that national resources are being illegally extracted on a large scale under the guise of political movements.

He claimed that armed groups are using force to extort money from local residents for personal gain, creating a heavy burden on the public. He urged the community to cooperate with relevant authorities to combat these activities.

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is reportedly leading the "Three Ks" (Kanbalu, Kawlin, Katha) operation to seize control of the region by supplying arms and ammunition to several groups, including:

PDF, NUG, AA, CNF, ABSDF, Chin PDF, KNA-B, ENNO/ENDA, and Naga PDF.

According to KIA statements, their objective is to control Sagaing and establish a continuous "liberated zone" connecting Kachin State, Sagaing Region, Chin State, and Rakhine State across Northwest Myanmar. This would serve as a launchpad to control Magway and Mandalay Regions.

Reports from regional sources and the news desk indicate a deteriorating situation on the ground:

Armed groups operating in Sagaing are sustaining themselves by mining/selling local resources and collecting taxes from the population.

Some organizations along the Sagaing-India border are reportedly involved in the smuggling of gold, narcotics, and weaponry.

Due to intense armed conflict, both water and land transport routes have become difficult to navigate. This has led to:

Skyrocketing commodity prices. Exorbitant transportation costs for civilians.

CNI News

February 16, 2026

Chairman of the State Security and Peace Council, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, stated that everyone must work together to oppose terrorist groups attempting to destroy regional peace and stability in Homalin Township, Sagaing Region.

He made these remarks during a meeting with town elders and departmental officials in Homalin, Upper Sagaing Region, on February 15, 2026.

The Senior General claimed that continuous peace invitations are being extended to achieve eternal peace within the country.

Opposition to Terrorism: He urged collective action to ensure that terrorist groups disrupting local stability no longer exist in the region.

He called for collaborative efforts toward national progress and noted that the state is managing air travel to Homalin as systematically as possible to support regional growth.

Root Causes of Unrest: He attributed the prevalence of insurgencies in parts of Sagaing Region to weaknesses in knowledge and technical education. He argued that while political disagreements should be resolved through political means, groups are instead resorting to terrorism.

Resource Exploitation: He alleged that groups are using politics as an excuse to illegally extract national resources for personal gain and are forcibly collecting money from locals using armed force, creating a burden on the public.

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is reportedly attempting to control the "Three Ks" area (Kanbalu, Kawlin, Katha) by providing weapons and ammunition to various groups, including:

People’s Defense Forces (PDF) and the National Unity Government (NUG).Arakkha Army (AA), Chin National Front (CNF), and ABSDF.Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B), Eastern Naga National Organization (ENNO/ENDA), and Naga PDF.

The KIA’s Strategic Goal: The KIA has stated intentions to control Sagaing Region and establish a link between Kachin State, Sagaing Region, Chin State, and Rakhine State to liberate the northwestern part of Myanmar, eventually targeting control over Magway and Mandalay Regions.

Controlled by KIA-NUG-PDF: Shwepyaye (near Homalin), Indaw, Pinlebu, and Katha.

Active Conflict Zones: Ongoing attempts to seize Htigyaing, Kanbalu, Phaungpyin, Mawlaik, Tamu, Kalay, Wuntho, Kawlin, Shwebo, Yinmarbin, Pale, and Monywa.

Naga Region: The KIA, PDF, and Naga armed groups are also attempting to gain control over Khamti and the Naga Self-Administered Zone.

#SeniorGeneralMinAungHlaing #KIA #ArmedConflict #Homalin #Politics #CNImyanmar

CNI News
February 16, 2026

The Chairman of the State Security and Peace Council, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, attended and inaugurated the opening ceremony of the Chindwin Bridge (Thamanti), located near Thamanti Village in Homalin Township, Upper Sagaing Region.

The opening ceremony was held on February 16, 2026.

 Length: 2,628 feet Reinforced Concrete Waterway Clearance: 40 feet (height)

The completion of this bridge is expected to significantly support the socio-economic development of residents in the Homalin District and the Naga Self-Administered Zone. Key benefits include:

Faster and easier transportation of local products.  Improvements in education, healthcare, and regional economic growth.