CNI News
19 November 223

An MoU has been signed to export coarse salt produced in Mon State to South Korea according to the Mon State Salt Business Association.

Due to South Korea's demand for salt, an MoU was signed with a company from South Korea on the last week of September and arrangements were made to export salt from Myanmar to South Korea, U Khin Soe, a salt expert from Mon State, told CNI News.

" The chairman of the cable car company in Kyaiktiyo offered a South Korea company to export salt from Mon State to South Korea. And then the company came to Myanmar and inspected the quality of the salt from Mon State. After that, they signed an MoU." he said.

Although three million tons of salt is produced in South Korea each year, its demand for salt is about seven million tons reportedly.

While seeing salt industry

Preparations must be made to meet the required standards so that the salt produced in Mon State can be exported to South Korea, said salt businessmen.

If salt is exported to South Korea, salt farmers will have a market and they will carry out to meet the required standard, Ko Kyaw Lwin, a salt farmer from Thanbyuzayat Township, told CNI News.

" That salt can be exported is an opportunity for us. South Korea wants to import salt from 10 to 20 percent of their needs. That South Korea wants to connect with Myanmar is a good sign. The price of salt fetches a good price and will be stable. Salt farmers in Mon State will carry out to get the required quality for export 30 percent of salt farmers in Mon State are performing to get the quality that can be exported." he said.

At present, as salt farmers in Mon State have sold their salt that they have stored, the price of salt is a bit falling and the price of coarse salt is about 200 kyats per viss (1 viss equals to 3.6 lb).

More than 50,000 tons of salt are produced annually from more than 4,500 acres of salt fields in Mon State and the salt is used in Mon State, Bago, Tanintharyi and Yangon Regions reportedly.

CNI News
19 November 2023

As the country is facing with crises in politics, economy and peace due to the current battles breaking out in the country, a question is emerging among the political circles in relation to how the Tatmadaw would handle the crises.

The armed conflict has become more widespread due to the political landscape that changed after 1st February 2021.

After that, the Three Brotherhood Alliance (AA, TNLA and MNDAA) is waging battles capturing towns and cities during the Operation-1027 started on 27th October 2023.

In the same way, armed forces called PDF (the People's Defense Force) are waging battles capturing towns and cities. If the Tatmadaw could not control these situations, EAOs probably would demand confederation higher than federalism, Col.Khun Okka, an EAO leader, told CNI News.

While meeting senior military officials from the Tatmadaw at the 8th anniversary celebration of the NCA

" If the Tatmadaw cannot control, some EAOs could demand confederation. But it needs to be nationwide. If all the stakeholders want federalism, we have to use federalism. It might be difficult if some EAOs want confederation." he said.

The Arakan Army (AA) and the Tatmadaw that ceased fire in sympathy with the public harm resume fighting on 13th November.

The Tatmadaw might be able to control these situations, Dr.Aung Myo, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" It depends on the Tatmadaw. In my opinion, the Tatmadaw hasn't done anything innovative. It would be able to control many situations if it armed those supporting the Tatmadaw with weapons. It's hard to say what the Tatmadaw will do next for the time being. I think they will understand what they will do." said Dr.Aung Myo.

The battles are breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the revolutionary forces including some EAOs in Kayin, Kayah, Chin, Shan (north), Rakhine States, Sagaing and Magway Regions.

CNI News
19 November 2023

Behind the operations Three Brotherhood Alliance (AA, TNLA and MNDAA) is waging in northern Shan State is China, which some EAO leaders and nationalist elements have believed.

So, nationalist elements made protests against China in Naypyidaw and Yangon on 16th November 2023. Ko Sithu Myint, vise chairman of the Myanmar Nationalists Network and Yangon patriots protested in Yangon.

Naung Taw Lay, general secretary of the network and Naypyidaw patriots protested in Naypyidaw.

" I just want to tell them to put out the fire that they set on by themselves. Countries involved know what I mean. The State Administration Council (SAC) held the 8th anniversary celebration of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). By turning a blind eye to these, they are making the country unstable, which we have no reason to accept. It is not that we are supporting the Tatmadaw. We are just protecting our three national causes. Because we see that they are encroaching on our sovereignty, our network make a protest today." said Ko Sithu Myint.

While Myanmar nationalist elements were protesting against China in Naypyidaw and Yangon on 16th November 2023

In cooperation with the Bamar People Liberation Army (BPLA), The People's Defense Force-Mandalay (PDF-MDY), and the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the Three Brotherhood Alliance - the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army(MNDAA), the Arakan Army (AA) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) started the Operation-1027 on 27th October in Theinni, Namkham, Muse, Chin Shwe Haw, Naunghkio, Phaungsai and Kyukote (Pangsai) in northern Shan State and are fighting against the Tatmadaw camps.

After that, they are capturing towns and cities.

Because northern allies and PDFs are using China-made weapons and drones and fighting against the Tatmadaw, China should prevent it, military experts pointed out.

While the MNDAA was capturing the Tatmadaw camps in northern Shan State

Kachin, China and Wa might take part in planning the operation, said Col.Khun Okka, an EAO leader.

" China has known it in advance, I think. But China won't tell directly. China might tell through Wa. Kachin also participate in planning the operation. So, behind the operation might be Kachin, Wa and China." said Col. Khun Okka to CNI News.

At present, the Three Brotherhood Alliance (AA, MNDAA and TNLA) is attacking the Tatmadaw camps and waging battles capturing towns and cities in northern Shan State and so are the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) and the Karenni Army (KA) in Kayah State and so is the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State and so are the Karen
National Union (KNU) and the People's Defense Force (PDF) in Kayin State and so are the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the PDF in Kachin State and so are the KIA, the AA, PDF and ABSDF in Sagaing Region.

Behind these armed forces seem to be China and US.

Nationalist groups made protests to condemn foreign interference and oppose interference in internal affairs in Naypyidaw and Yangon.

CNI News
17 November 2023

As the water vehicles that were ferrying between Kyauktaw and Paletwa have been suspended due to the battles breaking out in Rakhine State, rice cannot be bought in Paletwa Township, Chin State reportedly.

Because Rakhine State Administration Council have closed all the roads and waterways in Rakhine State, the water vehicle that ferried between Kyauktaw and Paletwa twice a week has been suspended.

Paletwa Township had to depend on medicines and other products including basic foodstuff from Kyauktaw and since the ferry stopped, rice has not been able to be bought in Paletwa, a Paletwa resident told CNI News.

“The roads including waterways between Kyauktaw and Yangon, between Kyauktaw and Sittwe, between Kyauktaw and Paletwa have been closed. We can't buy rice in Paletwa anymore. We have been buying rice since two or three years ago. Even though you have enough money, you can't buy rice because there was no rice since Tuesday." he said.

Rakhine State Council provided ferry service twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays since 2022. Because that route has been closed, although other routes can be used, it is not convenient due to regional instability reportedly.

While people are preparing to travel through Paletwa-Kyauktaw waterway

Moreover, rice paddy that has been grown on the hill-side fields in Paletwa Township has not been able to be harvested because of territorial instability. So, he hoped to re-open the waterway between Kyauktaw and Paletwa as soon as possible, U Maung Thein, a Paletwa resident, told CNI News.

" Because there is not enough rice in our township, rice is carried from Pakokku to Mindat, from Mindat to Matupi, from Matupi to Paletwa. It is a long way. But now that route has been closed. We have only two routes - Kyauktaw - Paletwa waterways and Paletwa- Smee- Matupi road. The goods from Nagaland tend to come in. That route has not been closed, I think. But there are not a lot of goods on that side. It's necessary to re-open Kyauktaw-Paletwa waterway as soon as possible. Otherwise, we all here have got into trouble because we can't reap our hill-side rice paddy." he said,

When the Kyauktaw-Paletwa waterway was open, Paletwa residents were allowed to carry rice and some commodities in limited amount. When carrying like that, it was convenient only if there was approval from the relevant departments reportedly.

CNI News

17 November 2023

Saying that US and China are supporting armed groups from behind, Myanmar nationalist groups were protesting against the two country in Yangon and Naypyidaw on 16th November 2023.

Ko Sithu Myint, vise chairman of the Myanmar Nationalists Network and Yangon patriots protested against US and China in Yangon. Naung Taw Lay, general secretary of the network and Naypyidaw patriots protested against the two countries in Naypyidaw.

" I just want to tell them to put out the fire that they set on by themselves. Countries involved know what I mean. The State Administration Council (SAC) held the 8th anniversary celebration of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). By turning a blind eye to these, they are making the country unstable, which we have no reason to accept. It is not that we are supporting the Tatmadaw. We are just protecting our three national causes. Because we see that they are encroaching on our sovereignty, our network make a protest today." said Ko Sithu Myint.

In cooperation with the Bamar People Liberation Army (BPLA), The People's Defense Force-Mandalay (PDF-MDY), and the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the Three Brotherhood Alliance - the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army(MNDAA), the Arakan Army (AA) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) started the Operation-1027 on 27th October in Theinni, Namkham, Muse, Chin Shwe Haw, Naunghkio, Phaungsai and Kyukote (Pangsai) in northern Shan State and are capturing towns and cities.

In the same way, the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF), the Karenni Army (KA), are fighting against the Tatmadaw camps to capture towns and cities in Kayah State and so is the AA in Rakhine State and so are the Karen National Union (KNU) and the PDFs in Kayin State and so are the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the PDFs in Kachin State and so are the KIA, the AA, the PDF, the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) in Sagaing Region.

It is believed by local people that US and China are behind these armed forces. So, nationalist groups condemned foreign interference and made protests in Naypyidaw and Yangon.

CNI News

16 November 2023

A letter that has described that the Kawthoolei Government has been formed is coming out among revolutionary forces. 

According to the description in that letter, Saw Nerdah Bo Mya is the President of the Kawthoolei Government. Saw Bar Wah and Saw Sa Gay Poe are Vice Presidents.

Saw Nerdah Bo Mya was dismissed as the head of the Karen National Defense Organization (KNDO) under the Karen National Union (KNU). 

After that, he broke away from the KNU and established the Kawthoolei Army (KTLA) and is fighting against the Tatmadaw.

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.