CNI News

7 June 2023

Daw Li Li Naing Kyaw, a singer, was shot dead with a pistol by a man outside No.A/267 apartment, Building 7, Yan Aung Street, Number 2 Ward, Yankin Township in Yangon Region on 30 May 2023.

Kaung Zarni Hein (B) La Pyayt who killed Daw Li Li Naing Kyaw, and his companion, Kyaw Thura (B) E.T were under arrest on 4th June in a man hostel in Kamayut Township in Yangon Region, which State Administration Council reported on 6th June.

The two men who were arrested attended an explosive technology course in Tatmaha 1 territory of Kayin National Liberation Army (KNLA) for a month in June of 2021 and then they joined the Special Task Force and then attended an explosive technology course opend by STF near Bor Daing Village in Kokkareik Township for another month, according to their testification, which were reported by SAC.

materials thrown away by D Nein Lin and Kaung Zarni Hein

STF is led by D Nyein Lin and Hazel who sent their 27 members to Yangon Region dividing into small groups and D Nyein Lin, Hazel, Yathaw and Nway Nway asked their 5members through Telegram to make assessinations, according to the report.

According to the report by SAC, D Nyein Lin and Hazel sent photos and information concerned through Telegram on 25 May 2023 and Hazel delivered a Sig Saver pistol, two bullet boxes and 20 bullets on 28th May after which Kaung Zarni Hein shot Daw Li Li Naing Kyaw to death outside her home on 30th May, that the culprit testified.

CNI News
6 June 2023

Political parties are estimating the time when a general election probably will be held because the State Administration Council has not told exactly when the election will be held although it is preparing to hold the election. In spite of preparation for the election, with arms conflicts there are still a lot of weakpoints in security, said politicl parties.  

"At present, SAC is trying to stabilize the country and it depends on the mediation of the friend countries", said Dr. Aye Maung, chairman of AFP to CNI.

" SAC is trying to stabilize the country, which is being helped by friend countries including China. If their mediation was successful, I think, the election probably will be held in January 2024." he said.

SAC is discussing in order to be able to hold the election all over the country in the peace talks with EAOs. Myanmar Tatmadaw topples down the NLD government saying NLD was trying to organize a government without solving the vote list dispute in the 2020 general election and has announced the state of emergency.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

Then, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has said that a new general election will be held and hand over the power to the party that will win the election. According to the current political landscaping, the election would be able to be held, said Sai Htay Aung, chairman of TNDP party to CNI.

" This is my opinion. He wil go with the 2008 constitution. After he renewed one year to go on ruling officially, he will conduct a change in accordance with the constitution. But he won't hold the election. If he even hold the election at the earliest, it will be likely in 2025.International community seems to suprport if he goes in accord with the 2008 constitution.In my opinion, he will go in accordance with the constitution." he said.

people casting ballots 

SAC said last year that it would hold a general election in 2023, but later it has not exactly said when the election will be held.But a new law relating to registration of political parties was released on 31st January, 2023 and the law has imposed that parties must apply within 60 days for the establishment of a political party.

Then The fourty parties that did not re-register, including NLD and SNLD had been abolished, UEC released on March 28, 2023 On the other hand, Duwa Lasheela, acting president of NUG has insisted that he will disturb and prevent the election by all means.

CNI News
6 June 2023

Although the chairman of State Administration Council has told that the general eection would be held, political analytists commented that it would not be possible within 2023, which would adversely affact to Myanmar economy, said Myanmar businesspeople.  

If the election was not able to be held this year, several foreign investments would probably leave the country and there would have much difficulties in tourism and trade sectors, said U Thet Zaw, ecnomic analytist, to CNI news agency.  

" It's hard to say.If good prospects for businesses aren't seen, foreign investments will probably get out of the country. However hard we try, if we aren't recognized, then we'll find very difficult in the sectors of tourism and trade. Only when we have an elected government, international pressure will reduce and foreign investments may enter the country. There is in a situation that can be changed politically as well. So we need change, I think." he said.  

The economy of the State would be better only when the country could enjoy the peace and stability without mainly depending on the election only, and if there were no peace and stability after the election, the economy would not be better, said businesspeople.

According to the current political situation, just holding the election could not change the economy, said U Ye Tun,a political and economic analytist, to CNI.

some people are voting

I don't think a so-called election can change political and economic situations.The election needs to be all inclusive.To tell you straightly, NLD needs to take part in the election. If we can hold an all-inclusive election like that, political and economic situations probably will be better, he added.  

some people from lower class

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of The State Administration Council, said in 2022 that the council was striving to be able to hold a general election in August, 2023 and would hand over the power to the party that would win the election. After that, he did not reveal when the election would be held.

But the law of re-registration of political parties was released on 31 January 2023 by the council and the population list for the vote was being collecting in order to be able to hold the election. Because there are no regional peace and stability in some townships in Sagaing Region, Magway Region, Tanintharyi Region, Shan State, Kayah State, Chin State, Kayin State and Mon State at present, the election is not expected, according to analytists.

CNI News
June 6, 2023

The questions whether the battles breaking out in the states of Myanmar are related to the mainland or not are coming out because the people from the mainland are staying in a stable manner although the civilians are being killded and the buildings are being destroyed in the states due to the battles.

The battles breaking out in the states are related to the mainland and most of young people from the mainland go to ethnic revolutionary elements for military trainings, said U Than Soe Naing, Myanmar political analytist, to CNI. "It is related because most of PDFs from the mainland go to EAOs for military trainings, installation and organization. In fact, it is related in a large scale." he said.

people demanding to end battles

Arm conflicts started breaking out in the states shortly after Myanmar gained her independence in 1948 when the people in the mainland were passive and did not actively take part in demanding to end arm conflict. The people from the mainland came to realize arms conflict due to the political landscaping that arose after 1 February 2023, according to some revolutionary elements.

Because of political landscaping that was changed after 1 February 2021, battles have been breaking out between Myanmar Tatmadaw and revolutionary elements Kayin, Kayah, Chin States, Sagaing and Magway Regions.

Local residents in most of the battles areas are displacing and losing rights to education and lacking of security.

a revolutionary force 

The revolution they were currently waging was one depending on the strength of people and they didn't have to comment on those who didn't take part in the revolutio, said a spokesperson from KNDF to CNI.

Their revolution was not just for their state but for the whole country and their revolution was fighting aagainst SAC and dictators. There were many people who took part in the revolution, he added.

More than 9300 battles have broken out between Tatmadaw and EAOs-PDFs allies since 1 February 2021 and most of the battles took place in the states. Consequently the number of IDPs has become over two millions, according to ISP Myanmar.

CNI News 

3 June 2023 

Sagaing Forum was held with the aim of creating a brigade representing Bamar ethnic group, Political Observer U Than Soe Naing told the CNI. 

The brigade hopes that it will be able to create a united front by cooperation with the National Unity Government for the Spring Revolution, he added. 

U Than Soe Naing told the CNI, "I want to emphasize that it is very importantly to create a brigade representing Bamar ethnic group by unifying all groups in Sagaing Region. To meet the need, PDFs and those who are not under the command of the NUG are ogranizing the forum. We have also urged the NUG to form an army representing Bamar ethnic group in Sagaing Region as there has been no such thing as a Bamar army. It was heard that they were trying to create a brigade  by unifying the guerilla forces in the region under such circumstances." 

It was learnt that resistance forces and political forces in Sagaing Region will discuss the matter unitedly. 

The Karen National Union (KNU) sent a message to the forum, saying that it hoped a federal union will emerge from the Sagaing Forum and expected that Sagaing Region will be a federal unit in building a federal union.

Similarly, Pa-O National Federal Council announced that it was proud of the people of Sagaing Region who have been a model for resistance  and Sagaing Forum was a model for collective negotiations, collective leadership and collective resistance. 

Rakhine politian U Pe Than said, "Myanmar resistance forces are mostly revolutionary forces. They are fighting against military dictatorship and for democratic system but ethnic groups are fighting for self-determination, self-administration and the right to create their own destiny. Under such circumstances, some Bamar do not like the argenda. At such a time, a united force representing Bamar ethnic group should and can emerge. However, it is unacceptable that the Bamar group is against the other ethnic groups." 

The resistance against the Tatmadaw started in Sagaing Region after 1st February in 2021 and fighting has erupted until now.

CNI News

3 Jun 2023

Political analysts are debating what will happen after formation of battalions and units by the Ministry of Defence of the National Unity Government.

It was announced on 1st June, 2023 that Battalion 5101, the first battalion of the People Defence Foces in Yangon Region was formed to launch attacks against the Tatmadaw more strategically.

Although the battalion was formed, it is difficult for the battalion to launch attacks as it does not have a stronghold, Political Observer Dr Aung Myo told the CNI.

He said, "Nothing special will happen. It is said that they formed a battalion called 5101. As it is a battalion, there is a battalion commander, a deputy battalion commander, company commanders and platoon commanders under their formation. So, it is easier for the government to capture them. As their troops are no longer small separate units and formed into a larger battalion, the government will be able to capture them all even if only a few of them have been detected. However, it is impossible for them to launch attacks. They will be able to carry out assassinations only. As I have a 20-year military experience, I am sure that they won't be able to do anything without a stronghold in such a region."

Security Forces.

The NUG announcement said that it has ordered its troops to form battalions and units in respective military regions across the country.

On 1st February, 2021, the Myanmar Tatmadaw ousted the civilian National League for Democracy Government after accusing it of formation of a new government without settling election disputes.

Afterward, the NUG formed the PDF on 5th May, 2021 to topple the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

The NUG seems to be forming battalions to systematically consolidate resistance forces, Political Observer U Kyee Myint told the CNI.

Members of the NUG

He said, "From the military perspective, they seem to be consolidating their troops because some of their members are frequently arrested. So, they may think their members were arrested because they lack systematic organizational set-up. Another reason may be they are trying to be more capable. It is just my personal opinion.

In addition, authorities are likely to make more arrests and checks in Yangon, he added.

Currently, the Myanmar Tatmadaw and allied forces of ethnic armed organizations and the PDF are fighting in Kayin State, Kayah (Karenni) State, Chin State and Sagaing and Magway Regions.

CNI News

1 April 2023

Troops of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization launched an ambush against troops of the Shan State Restoration Council, although both of them are signatories to the NCA, in Kadugyi Area in Mawkmai in Shan State (South), RCSS Spokesperson Maj Sai Kham San told the CNI.

He added that PNLO troops came to attack RCSS positions and later withdrew.

He told the CNI, "They just tried to ambush us and retreated. We did not respond to their attacks. It broke out yesterday afternoon. I am still looking at the map to pinpoint the location."

Although the CNI contacted the PNLO for the incident, the organization did not respond to the call.

The PNLO delegation arrives in Nay Pyi Taw  for peace negotiations.

After the U Thein Sein government permitted the PNLO to establish bases in Kadugyi Area, there used to be clashes between the RCSS and PNLO, according to political observers.

Maj Sai Kham San said that the RCSS would address the issue through the regular communication channel without taking military action.

He told the CNI, "We have regular communication channels. We will ask them why they ambushed us. I don't have any other comments because it was not a big clash. We will settle the issue through negotiations and by monitoring our troops not to make a military response."

Delegations of seven ceasefire EAOs including the PNLO and the RCSS.

In February, 2022, clashes between the RCSS and the PNLO broke out and there were casualties.

As both of them are signatories to the NCA, it is possible to address the issue through the Joint Monitoring Committee.

However, the functions of the JMC cannot be carried out effectively at present.

CNI News

1 April 2023

Although Yangonites usually celebrate Thingyan festivals by travelling round the city in open light trucks to be doused with water, the car rental market has been sluggish for this year's Thingyan festival, according to car charter services.

Although it is only two weeks away from the festival, only a few people have popped up to hire light trucks to celebrate the festival around the city and it is not beneficial for rental services as fees are very low, U Anyar Thar, who has been operating charter truck services, told the CNI.

He said, "Almost no one has hired our trucks to celebrate the festival round the city but we had talked to customers who asked us just to drive round pavilions in the People's Square from 9 am to 5 pm. We don't need to go to other places. However, the rental fees they gave to us were too low to be profitable for us. So, we did not accept their offers. I have only one customer who will go round the city to be doused with water."

Plans are underway to organize two walking water festival events and build pavilions in 45 townships in Yangon Region, according to the organizing committee for celebrating the Thingyan festival in Yangon Region.

A music and dance show during Thingyan.

However, it was reported that there is only one pavilion under construction in front of the city hall and no one has built pavilions in other places.

Only a few people have hired cars to celebrate the Thingyan festival this year and most people are chartering cars to visit beaches and other regions, Ko Bilar, the owner of a car rental service, told the CNI.
He said, "Almost no one has planned to celebrate the Thingyan festival. Some car rental services refused to provide services as rental fees they gave were too low. Some services have decided not to run their operations during the festival. However, people are chartering cars to go to other farther destinations like Chaungtha beach.

During Thingyan festivals before the outbreak of COVID-19, car rental fees were as high as MMK 200,000 per day but rental fees this year will be higher due to rising fuel prices.

Before the pandemic, cars to celebrate the festivals in the city were booked about one month in advance but no one has popped up to do so, a car rental service owner told the CNI.

People celebrate the Thingyan festival.

He said, "In the past, cars for celebrating the festival had to be booked one month ahead because it was difficult for customers to hire cars when the festival was only 15 or 20 days away. It was fortunate for customers to get a car on the eve of the festival. Sometimes, we had to drive them to Ngwesaung before the festival. This year, we have received customers who will go to Chaungtha and Ngwesaung. However, we haven't received customers for all our cars."

During the pre-pandemic festivals, there were pavilions along Inya Lake and Pyay Road, Waizayantar Road and Maha Bandoola Road and Merchant Road downtown and there were crowds of people participating.

During the pandemic, Thingyan festivals were not celebrated to prevent gathering large numbers of people and the festivals were not celebrated on a grand scale due to the political climate.

CNI News

1 April 2023

Thailand's reduction of the visa-free period for foreigners including Myanmar nationals from 45 days to 14 days seems to aim at earning revenues, labour activists for Myanmar migrant workers told the CNI.
In the past, Thailand granted a 14-day visa-free period to citizens from countries that reached visa agreements with it including Myanmar but it extended the period up to 45 days as of 1st October, 2022 to attract visitors.

As Thailand now has received a large number of foreign tourists, it might have slashed the visa-free period to 14 days as of 1st April, Consultant U Aung Kyaw of the Migrant Workers Rights Network told the CNI.

Thai authorities make preparations to inspect arrivals in a Thai airport.

He said, "Since the first outbreak of COVID-19 in December, 2019, the world faced a disaster and Thailand did not earn any tourism revenue. So, when it could control the pandemic, it attracted foreign tourists by extending the visa-free period up to 45 days. Now, it has priortize the tourism revenues and slashed the visa-free period. If tourists want to stay in Thailand more than 14 day, they will have to pay taxes to the government. They aim at earning revenues."

The reduction of the visa-free period to 14 days may have something to do with the current political situation and the general election scheduled in May, the labour activists said.

Those who have been granted a 45-day visa-free period before 31st March can stay in Thailand 45 days and those who have received visas on arrival are allowed to stay in Thailand 30 days, according to a statement released by the Myanmar embassy in Thailand.

However, those who want to stay in Thailand more than 14 can apply for visas in the Thai embassy in Yangon, the statement said.

The interior of a Thai airport.

Labour activist U Min Oo of the Foundation for Education and Development told the CNI, "Even if Myanmar nationals have received visas, Thai immigration can reject them. So, it is important to answer the questions asked by the immigration properly. It depends on the personality of individuals. When a plane from Myanmar lands, if they think poorly of someone, they detain him or her and extort money. If you have all documents, are smart and answer all questions properly, it is OK. They will ask you where you are going and what you are doing. You must answer properly and must show money. If you can't answer properly, you will have problems.

The visa-free period has been slashed not only for Myanmar nationals but also from those who are from countries like Cambodia, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Russia and many others.