CNI News

10 June 2023

Local onion merchants, businesspeople and business associations are collaboratively planning to export Myanma onion to the Philippines directly, said onion merchants.

Myanma onion is being currently exported to the Philippines through Vietnam merchants and so Myanmar merchants and businesspeople are planning to export the onion the Philippines directly. For the time being, Vietnam merchants have been increasingly buying the onion in Myanmar, said U Aung Myint, an onion merchant from Myingyan, to CNI.

a worker carrying bags of onion on his shoulders

"Myanma onion is being exported to the Philippines through Vietnam traders, but this year the traders here are trying to export directly. Last year, onion prices skyrocketed in the Philippines. We knew about it later. We knew later that Vietnam traders were exporting Myanma onion to the Philippines. That's why traders here are discussing about exporting the onion to the philippines directly. Vietnam traders have been buying the onion here in a large scale since last year. In fact, they were exporting to the Philippines. They bought onion with 25 big trucks from Myingyan alone" he said.

At present, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese traders are buying the onion a lot and they bought the onion with 15 big trucks by weight 300,000 viss (1 viss = 3.6lb) from Monywa and bought the onion from Myingyan with 25 big trucks by weight 500,000 viss, said Myanmar onion traders.

Moreover, they bought at the price which is the same as the market price of Bayint Naung Commodity Depot and if they go on buying like this, onion prices will not drop, said U Aung Kyaw Sein, an onion trader, to CNI.

" Today there are so many buyers at Myingyan Commodity Depot. There are about eight traders who have sold to Vietnam, Muse and Myawady. Vietnamese traders bought  a viss of onion at 2250 Kyats. This is the same price as the selling price of Bayint Naung commodity depot. They started buying at 2,000 Kyats a viss. Traders from small towns can't sell at this price.But Vietnamese traders bought at 2,150 yesterday because they probably could sell at a higher price. If this keeps up, the price can't drop" he said.

If Myanmar traders can export the onion directly, they cam make a profit more than before.

However,Myanmar traders and peasants need to meet the Philippine's demands relating to trade, said traders.

CNI News
7 June, 2023

Thai authorities are arresting migrants with incomplete documents and illegal migrants in a different manner, said assisters for migrant workers to CNI.

Government employees from various departments are arresting mainly migrants working at factories and workshops employing a great deal of workers rather than at the factory and workshop with a few workers and especially arresting is more common in the border areas with Myanmar where most of Myanmar are staying, which is reported.

"Here it is called multi-departmental inspection. Labour Department inspects whether migrant workers have work permits or not.Immigration Department inspects residence permits and police also come with them. Especially when a big problem arises, they carry out an operation like this.

detainees being inspected

"In Thailand, apart from these organizations there are township general administration deprtment, township defence and security department, and human resources and development department in every town.Thai government employees from these departments gather and inspect. But they rarely inspect at factories and workshops with a few workers.There are two teams that inspect. One is special team including various departments.They can inspect at any time. The other is normal and has no power to inspect at any time.They tend to lie and blackmail." said U Min Oo, incharge of labour affairs from FED.

In the past,immigration officers and police in the border areas went and arrested illegal migrants with the help of interpreters after informing community officials in advance. Multi-departmental inspection and arrest very rarely took place before. Taking action agaoinst illegal migrant workers like this has been more common since 20th May, 2023, said Ko Thar Gyi who is helping Myanmar migrant workers.

Thai authorities tightening up inspection

Migrant workers with incomplete documents have to pay border officials under table every month so as not to be arrested. But when multi-departmental teams inspect and arrest, monthly payers also are arrested. They arrest by surprise.You can't redeem your man at all. Your man must be sent to his country.

Thai authorities have been carring out more inspections and arrests in Tark District where most of Myanmar are staying since 15th May. Moreover,Thai politics has been unstable after general election was held. So, Not only illegal residents but also legal residents need to watch out with their steps, those who are helping Myanmar migrant workers have suggested.

CNI News

7 June 2023

If a democracy could not be built in Myanmar, a federal would never be able to be built, said U Sein Win, former Pyithu Hluttaw representative, to CNI. When ethnic elements could even build democracies, we could not build a federal at the same time, he said.

"Government and Tatmadaw are leading to a democracy federal, but ethnic people are leading to a federal democracy. They don't want to put Democracy in front because they have a thought that they cannot build a federal although they can build a democracy. As a matter of fact, democracy is a system and federal is a structure. Structure is less important than democracy. In fact, if we cannot gain a democracy, we can never gain a federal. Democracy is more important.I don't know why ethnic people have gripped a wrong concept like this for long" he said to CNI.

People demanding democracy

Currently, discussions are being held between State Administration Council and EAOs about building a federal union. In the same way, NUG has told that they will build a federal union.
The main reason why bloodshed could not be avoided in Myanmar was due to the fact that a federal union had not been able to build a federal union, said Dr.Aye Maung, chairman of Arakan Front Party (AFP) to CNI.

" You can't say like that (what U Sein Win said). If you don't want Myanmar to shed blood, you must form the country into a federal. After the country has become a federal union, will the country be ruled with democracy or another sysytem? It is up to the people.If you carried out an analysis of the current situation, you would find out the reason why there is bloodshed in Myanmar is not because of democracy, but because of federal.Democrcy is comimg with federal. Because they don't want to give the states the rights to federalism, they put forward democaracy. Even after democracy is won,it's not sure that you win federal" he said.

an ethnic armed group

Transition to democracy and federal must be carried out at the same time, said Colonel Khun Okka, an ethnic leader to CNI.

At present, debates and discussions about how to build the country and what ruling system shall be used _ federal democracy union or democracy and federal-based union are being conducted in Myanmar.

Some of ethnic elements have presented to form a Bamar State. On the other hand, Tailai (Shan Ni), Paoh, Ta,ang and Wa are demanding to form new states for them
Myanmar currently is formed with seven regions, seven states, five autonomous regions, one autonomous division and a Pyidaungsu Teritory.

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.