CNI News

January 26, 2026

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the National Security and Peace Restoration Commission, met with the Thai Ambassador to Myanmar, H.E. Mr. Mongkol Visiststump, in Nay Pyi Taw on January 26, 2026.

The Thai Ambassador met with the Senior General for a farewell visit as he prepares to depart Myanmar following the completion of his diplomatic tenure.

During the meeting, they discussed:

• Thailand’s participation alongside international election observers in monitoring Myanmar’smulti-party democratic general election.
• Observations that voters cast their ballots according to their own will without any external coercion.
• The successful holding of the election as afree, fair, and clean process.

The two leaders further discussed the necessity of cooperation between the governments and militaries of both nations to ensure border stability, which is essential for restoring bilateral trade and the flow of goods.

Additionally, they touched upon the Myanmar government’s commitment to treating the fight against online scams, gambling, and drug trafficking as a national priority, as well as ongoing collaboration regarding environmental conservation in border areas.

The meeting was also attended by the Commission’s Secretary, General Ye Win Oo, and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, U Ko Ko Kyaw.

CNI News

January 27, 2026

The Embassy of India celebrated the 77th National Day of the Republic of India on January 26, 2026, at the Lotte Hotel in Yangon.

The commemorative ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of India to Myanmar, H.E. Mr. Abhay Thakur; Union Minister for Border Affairs and Union Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Lt-Gen Yar Pyae; Union Minister for Information, U Maung Maung Ohn; heads of other foreign embassies; leaders of various organizations; representatives from the Myanmar-India Friendship Association; and community leaders.

During the event, the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar delivered a speech, followed by remarks from Union Minister Lt-Gen Yar Pyae.

CNI News
January 27, 2026

Myanmar’s Foreign Minister U Than Swe and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a meeting in Pakistan on January 26, 2026.

According to a statement from the Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting focused on cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two nations. Discussions included collaboration in the sectors of economics, agriculture, livestock, manufacturing, and trade.

Furthermore, they discussed cooperation in the technology, health, and cultural sectors, as well as mutual support within international organizations, including:

The United Nations (UN), ASEAN,Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

Following the discussions, Foreign Minister U Than Swe and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment of a mechanism for policy-level consultations between the two foreign ministries.

It is reported that the ministers also held a joint press conference. The delegation led by U Than Swe departed for Pakistan on January 24, 2026. This visit was conducted at the official invitation of Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

CNI News

January 27, 2026

Armed organizations across Myanmar are increasingly arresting civilians under the guise of mandatory military service and demanding money if the individuals do not wish to serve, Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai-Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (SNDP), told CNI News.

Due to intense ongoing fighting between the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) and various armed groups, both sides have been active in recruiting or arresting young people for military service.

Military and political analysts have pointed out that Myanmar is currently facing a decline in population, labor shortages, a slowdown in manufacturing, and the looming risks associated with a dwindling population.

Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the SNDP, told CNI News that multiple armed groups are involved in recruiting youth for service.

Individuals preparing for service under the Myanmar Military’s People’s Military Service Law.

"In our area, we don’t hear much about [formal] conscription, but we hear about various armed groups forcibly recruiting young people. In the current civil war, many people want to avoid military service. It isn’t just the Tatmadaw (military) doing forced recruitment; the EAOs (Ethnic Armed Organizations) and PDFs (People’s Defense Forces) are doing the same. Civilians are suffering greatly because of this forced recruitment. While the conscription law states service is required up to age 35, all these armed groups are arresting people aged 50 or 60 as well. Whether it’s the army or other armed groups, once someone is caught, they are told to pay between 5 million and 10 million Kyats for their release. These armed organizations have become like kidnapping gangs. That is why we want this civil war to end. I want to say that in a time of peace and stability, everyone should serve in the military," he said.

Analysts note that the number of able-bodied youth is declining as many flee to foreign countries to escape the Myanmar military’s conscription law and the mandatory service requirements imposed by EAOs and PDFs.

KIA-PDF forces.

Political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News that a draft bill for a "Military Service Exemption Tax" has been written and submitted to the state.

"We are hearing on Telegram that the KIA is forcibly recruiting for military service. Regarding the [Myanmar] military, we haven't seen official news of forced recruitment, but there are instances where wards hold lotteries or call people up by turn. We hear that some authorities demand money if people want those arrested for conscription to be released. To resolve these issues, I drafted a 'People’s Military Service Exemption Tax Law' about a year ago and submitted it to the state through nearby contacts. What is certain is that the KIA is arresting and recruiting people, as are the Palaung (TNLA) and MNDAA. We don't hear as much specific news regarding the military's side," he said.

Political parties and analysts are currently seeking various ways to stop the forced recruitment of civilians by the various armed organizations.

Currently, battles remain intense between the Myanmar military and armed groups, with all sides striving to implement recruitment and conscription efforts.

CNI News

January 27, 2026

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang/Ang Mai (NSCN-K/AM) issued a statement on January 24, 2026, ordering all personnel currently serving under the NSCN-K/Yung Aung (NSCN-K/YA) faction to resign from their duties immediately. The statement warned that failure to comply would result in military-style disciplinary actions.

The announcement directed everyone actively serving under the Yung Aung (NSCN-K/YA) group to resign at once and return to their homes within a designated period. The NSCN-K/AM stated that failure to follow these instructions would be treated as intentional defiance of authority, and appropriate actions would be taken.

Furthermore, it stated that individuals previously captured and released who are caught again will face severe military penalties. However, those who choose to surrender voluntarily and cooperate with the NSCN-K/AM will be warmly welcomed and appropriately rewarded. The NSCN-K/AM also declared that while the National Socialist Council of Nagaland/Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland (NSCN/GPRN) is conducting law enforcement operations, no civil society organizations (CSOs) or individuals are to intervene. The group stated they would not accept such interference and would hold those involved accountable.

The NSCN-K/YA group.

"Before the situation worsens further and leads to irreparable consequences, we earnestly urge parents and guardians to bring their children home as soon as possible," the NSCN-K/AM statement said. "This notice is issued for all relevant parties to acknowledge and strictly follow. You are hereby instructed to fully cooperate and comply with the Naga Army."

The NSCN-K/AM and NSCN-K/YA factions are currently in a power struggle for control over the Naga region, including Pansaung, a town that serves as a vital border gateway to India.

The NSCN-K/AM arrived in Pansaung on January 1, 2026, and deployed troops to establish territorial control. Subsequently, on January 9, 2026, the NSCN-K/YA attacked NSCN-K/AM forces in Khamtaing village, Pansaung, resulting in two deaths and one injury on the NSCN-K/AM side.

The Mobile-6 Battalion of the NSCN-K/AM.

In retaliation, the NSCN-K/AM attacked NSCN-K/YA forces at the "18-mile gate" between Takar and Nampha in Nanyun Township at 6:00 AM on January 12, 2026, successfully seizing an NSCN-K/YA camp. Additionally, at 1:00 AM on January 24, the NSCN-K/AM's Mobile-6 Battalion attacked NSCN-K/YA forces in Tonki village, located between Lahe and Nanyun townships, resulting in at least three injuries on the NSCN-K/YA side.

Currently, several Naga armed groups are active within the Naga Self-Administered Zone, including NSCN-K/YA (Yung Aung), NSCN-K/AM (Ang Mai), ENNO/ENDA (Aung Seng), NSCN-IM (Isak-Muivah), NSCN-IM/H (a breakaway group from IM led by Hanshi Ramsan), and the NPDF. Additionally, Meitei and Assam armed groups are also based and operating in the area.

CNI News

January 26, 2026

As Phase (3) of Myanmar’s 2025 General Election continued on January 25, U Ko Ko Gyi, Chairman of the People's Party (PP), cast his vote at Polling Station No. (2) in Ward (2) of Lanmadaw Township, Yangon Region.

U Ko Ko Gyi is running as a candidate for the Pyithu Hluttaw in Lanmadaw Township.

CNI News

January 26, 2026

Acting President Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated that he does not understand whether foreign countries recognize or not the 2025 General Election currently being held in Myanmar, but that he will recognize the fact that the people are casting their votes.

He made these remarks while visiting and observing voters in Mandalay on January 25, 2026, during the Phase (3) polling of the election.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said, “There are two reasons for not coming to vote: one is because they don't have a candidate they support, and the other is due to security concerns. Those who do come to vote do so because there are candidates they support. They are voting freely. Regarding whether foreign countries recognize this or not—we don't understand that. We will recognize the people’s act of voting.”

In Myanmar, Phase (1) of the 2025 General Election was held on December 28, 2025, and Phase (2) was held on January 11, 2026.

CNI News
January 25, 2026

A clash broke out between the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang/Ang Mai (NSCN-K/AM) and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang/Yung Aung (NSCN-K/YA) in Nanyun Township, located within the Naga Self-Administered Zone of Upper Sagaing Region, on January 24, 2026.

At 1:00 AM on January 24, the Mobile-6 Battalion of the NSCN-K/AM launched an attack on the NSCN-K/YA forces stationed in Taik Village, Nanyun Township, which is situated between the towns of Lahe and Nanyun.

The NSCN-K/AM released a statement regarding the incident:

"In response to continued threats and bullying by the Yung Aung (YA) group, the Mobile-6 Battalion of the AM forces has expanded its military counter-operations within Nanyun Township. On January 24, 2026, at 1:00 AM Myanmar Standard Time, the Mobile-6 Battalion attacked members of the Yung Aung (YA) group stationed in Taik Village."

NSCN-K/YA

According to the NSCN-K/AM's report, at least three members of the NSCN-K/YA were wounded during the engagement.

The two factions are currently locked in a power struggle for territorial control within the Naga region. Key events leading up to this clash include:

January 1, 2026: NSCN-K/AM forces arrived and took up positions in Pansaung, aiming to control the only border gateway to India in the Naga region.

January 9, 2026: NSCN-K/YA forces attacked the NSCN-K/AM, resulting in two deaths and one injury on the NSCN-K/AM side.

January 12, 2026: NSCN-K/AM retaliated at 6:00 AM by attacking NSCN-K/YA forces at the "18-mile" location between Takar and Nampha in Nanyun Township, successfully seizing a NSCN-K/YA camp.

Currently, several armed organizations are active in the Naga Self-Administered Zone, including:
NSCN-K/YA (Led by Yung Aung), NSCN-K/AM (Led by Ang Mai), ENNO/ENDA (Led by Aung Seng), NSCN-IM (Isak-Muivah), NSCN-IM/H (Led by Hanshi Ramsan, a breakaway from IM), NPDF (Naga People's Defence Force)

Additionally, Meitei and Assamese armed groups are also known to be based and active in the area.

CNI News

24 January 2026

The Union Election Commission (UEC) clarified to CNI News that while it was announced that elections could not be held in several towns within the Sagaing Region—specifically Kawlin, Banmauk, Tigyaing, Indaw, and Pinlebu—the recent announcement regarding 9 representatives was merely the designation of representative townships under the Proportional Representation (PR) system.

Although elections were not physically conducted in Tigyaing, Kawlin, Indaw, Pinlebu, and Banmauk during Phase 2 of the elections held on January 11, 2026, a list of "winning" candidates was confirmed and released.

The UEC issued this explanation to address the confusion surrounding the status of these constituencies.