English Edition
- By CNI News
- Category: English Section
- Hits: 474
CNI News
7 August 2022
According to Myanmar economic analysts, the exchange rate of 1,850 kyats fixed by the Central Bank of Myanmar has been increased by 2,100 kyats, which may lead to an increase in foreign dollar exchange rates.
In addition to the dollar price, other commodity prices will also rise, said U Ne Win Soe, in charge of the Ayeyar Trading Center, to CNI news agency.
He said, “Increasing the dollar price was not good. In addition to not being able to control the dollar price, the difference between the external price and the internal price has now become so significant to the point that 1850 is now2400/2500 in the outside dollar price. There is a huge gap between them. Now it has been put up to 2100 which means the outside dollar price will also shoot up. Then the rest of the prices will go up. This is just another form of inflation,” he said.
All the export earnings from exportation originally had to be exchanged with the exchange rate set by the Central Bank. However, starting from August 5, only 65% of the export earnings were made mandatory to be exchanged in Myanmar Kyat.
while seeing Myanmar Central Bank (GETTY IMAGES)
However, A Burmese economic analyst, who did not want to be named for security reasons, told CNI that since there has been no announcement how to manage the remaining 35% and how it can be done, we must monitor it and that the dollar price in the market could fluctuate based on the process to allow the issuance of 35 percent.
He said, "65 percent has to be allocated for the import that they specified. The remaining 35 percent can be sold to an importer of your choice. But the statement did not say what the 35 percent would be allowed to do. Do you have to keep the 35 percent in the bank without transferring it immediately? Do they let us keep it in the bank and transfer the account? Or do they allow cash dollars? The follow up did not clear anything.
What will hit the market depends on it. That 35 percent is not allowed to be cashed out, but if the importer is allowed to trade, then the importer does not have to look for it in the outside market anymore. The search in the market will decrease. If the importer's demand in the foreign market has decreased, the dollar price will fall again.
But that's not the case, if the dollar is allowed to be issued, the issued dollar will go to the market and the dollar price in the market will fall. These are from the declination point of view. Even the central bank went up and down from 1850 to 2100. There is a question whether the market will follow or not," he said.
U Thant Zin Tun, a corn trader, told CNI News that since the Central Bank has changed the set rate from 1,850 kyats to 2,100 kyats per dollar, exporters will increase the price when they buy goods from farmers.
while seeing an export and import business at the port (AFP)
U Thant Zin Tun said, "I think that the dollar price, which is currently rising, may fall again from the huge gap between 1850 and the outside dollar price. And the exportation has also become consistent with the dollar price which means we can get it at a slightly higher price in our local range.
Then, only 65% can be deposited. Since it is only 35%, we can see this as good. We used to pay 100% and sell it again. That system has now shifted and now only 65% can be imported. It’s only 35% from exportation which gives us discretion for what we want to import.
In this way, it is said to be good since we can import the important things now such as medicine from other countries.
The Central Bank of Myanmar controls foreign currency but it cannot sell the dollar which is much-needed in the market, leading to the emergence of dollar black markets. In addition, it has been reported that medicine, food, consumer goods, agricultural equipment, raw materials, and imported goods purchased with dollar are now on the increase.
The current foreign exchange rate in the foreign market is from more than 2500 to 2800 Burmese dollars for 1 US dollar. Businessmen are also speculating that $1 may rise to 3000 kyats. However, the financial market experts have explained that their process of trading outside is actually a form of buying and selling as they like.
- By CNI News
- Category: English Section
- Hits: 350
CNI News
7 August 2022
Urging ethnic armed groups to resolve ethnic right issues at parliament raised false hopes, Rakhine Politician U Pe Than told the CNI.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing told an SSPP delegation on 4th August that the parliament was the highest political body in a democracy and ethnic groups were required to participate more in the parliament to demand their rights in accordance with the law.
U Pe Than told the CNI, “Even during the tenure of the National League for Democracy, a so-called democratic party, the parliament did not function properly. Everything was decided by the government. Every motion tabled by ethnic parties was rejected or neglected and budget allocations for ethnic states were meagre. Urging EAOs to discuss the issue of ethnic rights at the parliament during the terms of a semi-military government that will emerge from the proportional representation system raises false hopes. When a government that is clinging to the military dictatorship is in power, there is no way to guarantee ethnic rights. Even if they are willing to do so, they will give minor rights to ethnic peoples.”
At the same time, the upcoming parliament would not be supported or recognized by the people, he added.
The union parliament in progress in March, 2006.
One of EAO leaders, Col Khun Okkar of the PNLO told the CNI that reserving 25 percent of seats at the parliament for the military was against the principle of democracy and ethnic rights could not be guaranteed under such circumstances.
Col Khun Okkar said, “Frankly speaking, it can be said that parliaments under successive governments including during the term of U Nu, U Ne Win and U Thein Sein were not parliaments under democracy. So, reserving 25 percnet of seats at the parliament for the military is completely contrary to democratic principles. At the same time, the remaining 75 percent of the seats are overwhelmed by the winning influential party. As a result, ethnis parties and their representatives have no say in the parliament. So, there is no way to demand to ethnic rights in the parliament. There are no rights for ethnic groups under the 2008 constitution.”
However, it was learnt that some leaders of ethnic armed groups are serving as candidates, representatives and the speaker of the parliament.
As a result, ethnic leaders felt that their rights were restricted at the parliament, where the powerful took upperhand and opted for armed struggle.
- By CNI News
- Category: English Section
- Hits: 2331
CNI News
7 August, 2022
By profiting from uploading obscene photos and videos that tarnish the venerable Burnese culture and dignity, Thinzar Wint Kyaw and Nan Mwe San were arrested and sued with the case filed under Section 33 (a) of the Telecommunications Law, the news released by SAC from MRTV Television.
The press release stated that in August 2021, Thinzar Wint Kyaw, using the connection of a sex-worker model Shin Yoon Myat, opened an account under the name of Thinzar Wint Kyaw to upload pornographic photos and videos that are commissioned for a pornographic website called Exantria, a website executively operated by Mr. Raphael who lives in America. The news also stated that these sexually suggestive photos and videos have been posted in the website.
MRTV television said, “We have found out that starting from August 20, 2021, Thinzar Wint Kyaw has made money off of uploading X-rated material and the received commission fee was split: 25% from the website and 75% from the poster.
Thinzar Wint Kyaw
Similarly, in September, 2020, Nan Mwe San, with the connection of Ms Kumar whose line of work is the trade of beauty products, is stated to have become acquainted with Exantria Website in-charge person, Mr Raphael.
Then, starting from September 2020, she has reportedly posted pornographic material on the Only Fan website run by Mr. Raphael and is said to have sent X-rated photos and video files to Exantria Website for publication with the reconnection of Mr Raphael starting from January 2021. And the received pay was allocated as 70% for the poster and 30% for the website.
Due to these actions affecting Burmese culture and dignity as well as entailing the disdain towards Burmese women in the eyes of the world, Thinzar Wint Kyaw and Nan Mwe San were sued under Section 33 (a) of the Telecommunications Act.
Nan Mwe San
Correspondingly, SAC announced on MRTV television that those who are engaging in actions that are seen as an affront to the honor and dignity of Burmese women will be identified and effectively taken a lawful action against.
Section 33(a) of the Electronic Communications Act is stipulated as doing any acts that can be perceived as an offense towards national security, law enforcement and territorial peace, ethnic unity, national economy or national culture. Anyone convicted under Article 33 (a) shall be imprisoned for a minimum of 7 years to a maximum of 15 years. It is stipulated that fines can also be imposed.
- By CNI News
- Category: English Section
- Hits: 474
CNI News
6 August 2022
There was talk in the international community of expelling Myanmar from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations by adopting a new approach if the five-point consensus of the association to solve the Myanmar political crisis fails to work.
However, political observers at home and in the diaspora community said that it was unlikely for the ASEAN to expel Myanmar from the regional body.
Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-based political observer, told the CNI, “The ASEAN is not likely to expel Myanmar from their association. It was learnt that a Myanmar diplomat attended the foreign ministers meeting of the ASEAN although Myanmar was not officially invited. So, a paragraph had to be dropped from the joint communique because of the protest of the diplomat. However, it is unlikely that the ASEAN will expel Myanmar from the regional body because it needs to build the regional economic forum into an entire supply chain. It may take action against or apply pressure on the junta.
US Foreign Minister Antony Blinken said in his interview with the VOS Burmese that the ASEAN was required to review the situation and take action against Myanmar by suspending its membership.
US Foreign Minister Antony Blinken at the ASEAN meeting.
He said, “Well, I think it has to take account of the fact that the regime has refused to implement the five-point consensus and draw whatever conclusions it must from that. I think making sure, right now, that there is nonpolitical representation in ASEAN is exactly the right step. But if this continues, I think ASEAN has to look at what that means, including suspension of Myanmar.”
Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw added that nowadays, the US can no longer dictate what it wants to other countries.
The ASEAN recently decided not to invite the SAC to its foreign ministers' meetings and summits and to allow it to send a non-political diplomatic representative.
Prak Sokhonn, the Cambodian foreign minister and ASEAN special envoy, said that Myanmar generals were required to show progress and the ASEAN agreed that without future progress, its position on Myanmar would have to be reconsidered.
Political Analyst U Ye Tun said that it was possible for the ASEAN to expel Myanmar from the regional body if they could reach a consensus on the issue.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Special Envoy Prak Sokhonn.
U Ye Tun told the CNI, “According to the ASEAN Charter, important decisions are made by consensus. So, if all member states agree to expel Myanmar, it is possible to do so. If the SAC decides to suspend membership or leave the regional body because it did not invite them to its meetings, the ASEAN will also have to expel Myanmar.”
SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said in his speech on 1st August, 2022 that Myanmar was not able to implement the five-point consensus of the ASEAN due to instabilities and might be able to do so in the future.
The five-point consensus includes ending violence, release of political prisoners, dialogues with all stakeholders, providing humanitarian assistance and appointment of a special envoy to mediate political dialogues.
ASEAN Special Envoy Prak Sokhonn visited Myanmar twice but failed to make progress to help overcome Myanmar political crisis. It was learnt that the SAC promised to allow the special envoy to meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on his third visit to Myanmar in September-October.
- By CNI
- Category: English Section
- Hits: 590
CNI News
6 August 2022
There was no conducive environment for cooperation between the United League of Arakan/ Arakan Army and the Arakan Liberation Party, Rakhine Politician U Pe Than told the CNI.
Although both parties issued various statements on cooperation between them in the interests of Rakhine State, they were not able to hold discussions, he added.
U Pe Than told the CNI, “Before tensions increased between the two parties, we saw that they should cooperate for the national cause. Even if they could not unify their parties, they should engage in negotiations to cooperate in the interests of Rakhine State and its people. However, the strength of one side decreased significantly while that of the other increased dramatically and was not interested in unification. People in Rakhine State support the ULA/AA, which can control almost the entire Rakhine State. Under such circumstances, the ULA/AA is not interested in unifying the two parties. However, we think that the two parties should cooperate in the interests of the people in Rakhine State. Meanwhile, the situation in Rakhine State leads not to political dialogue but to military confrontation. So, there is no conducive environment for cooperation between them. As a result, they are not able to engage in negotiations, I think.”
Vice Chairperson Daw Saw Mya Yazar Lin and Lt-Gen Khaing Paw Lin, who was detained by the AA.
Furthermore, it could be difficult to allocate duties and responsibilities between the ULA/AA and the ALP in unification, U Pe Than added.
Recently, the ALP issued a statement saying that the AA detained ALP Central Committee Member Lt-Col Kahing Paw Lin at his house on 2nd August, 2022. However, the AA did not say anything about the arrest.
The ALP statement also said that the current conflict between the AA and the ALP, both of which are formed with members of the same ethnic group struggling for the same goal, at a time of political crisis could tarnish the image of Rakhine people among ethnic alliances and in the international community.
U Pe Than said, “I don’t know what led to the arrest of Khaing Paw Lin. However, the ALP also said that they have arrested hard cores of the AA in Sittwe. They arrested the members of the AA after wearing the uniforms of the military and the police. The situation is getting worse. If the ALP does so because it cannot compete with the AA militarily and organizationally, it will eventually become a lackey of the junta, which pits one party against another. The ALP could become an organization exploited by the junta to defeat the AA. The ALP should not take the path.”
The ALP holds negotiations with the SAC
The CNI contacted the ALP repeatedly for comments on the issues but the ALP did not answer the phone.
Both the AA and the ALP are armed organizations of the Rakhine ethnic group.
The ALP is a signatory of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement while the AA is still under negotiations to join the agreement.
- By CNI
- Category: English Section
- Hits: 719
CNI News
6 August, 2022
There are suggestions from the Burmese community in Japan that the Japanese language proficiency test is not just the JLPT conducted by the Japanese government, but can also be taken by the private companies recognized by the Japanese government, such as Net Test and Top J.
In order to take the JLPT in December 2022, there were many people who came to register for applications early in the morning at the Yangon Examination Department today (August 5). MAJA (Myanmar Japanese Returned Alumni Association) has announced that those who have purchased an application but have not yet made a submission for JLPT 2022 December will be accepted through the pre-booking system.
“Therefore, instead of many people gathering to take the JLPT, it is better to take the Net Test instead”, said Naytic Asia Agency Director Ko Ne Oo Ko to CNI News.
Ko Ne Oo Ko said, “They are really dead set on JLPT. This can be exhausting. They should rather take the Net Test regularly on their own which is every two months. But the course fee is a little high.”
Net Test is also recognized by Japan. As for the JLPT, it's something that the Japanese government organizes. It's a government exam. Net Test is private. It’s another Japanese learning institution which is also recognized by the government. As for the JLPT, it's something that the Japanese government itself conducts, so they insist that it's better.
JLP Exam Applicants
It’s better to take the Net Test instead of relentlessly going after the JLPT. Otherwise, it is tiring. It’s not just a few people but an enormous crowd. The fact that it is organized by the government is the most significant appeal to JLPT.”
If you take the Net Test, the course fee is about 80,000. If you take the JLPT, the exam fee and the form fee cost almost as much as the course fee for taking the Net Test. The JLPT exam is conducted only twice a year.
If you pass the Net Test, you can get the same job as you do with JLPT. Naytic Asia agency director Ko Ne Oo Ko said that they were also accepted when applying for a visa.
Ko Min, who will take N4 this year, told CNI news that there was no such mass of people buying applications to take N5 with JLPT in 2018.
Ko Min Nakh said, "It's because of the combination of the pandemic and the political circumstances. It can be said that the number of people who will go to Japan in the next two years has increased. We also see that the number of students in these training schools is higher than before. Even if I fill out the form now and upload it right now, sometimes there are rejections, so I think it’s a pretty tough odds to make this a smooth process now.”
Now it's crowded, and on the other hand, there are difficulties for people who sell applications. Since our training school is taking charge right now, things have been going well since yesterday," he said.
The Myanmar Overseas Employment Service Entrepreneurs Association (MOEAF) reported that the number of Myanmar youths going abroad to work has been escalating. Among them, the number of people going Japan to work has seen a sharp increase, compared with the pre-pandemic period.
- By CNI
- Category: English Section
- Hits: 546
CNI News
6 August, 2022
For the ethnic groups to be able to demand the rights of their region in accordance with the law, Major-General Min Aung Hlaing said that the political stage must be more involved in the Hluttaw.
Today (August 40, he met with the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) led by Vice Chairman (1) Sat Khe Tai and said the above while discussing the peace process with the delegation.
SAC Chairman said, “In a democratic system, the parliament is politically the highest. The ethnic groups must be more involved in the parliament in order to be able to demand the rights of their region in accordance with the law.”
Then, during the peace meeting and discussion, he continued to say that the demands of the ethnic armed group as well as the matter of what is really necessary and appropriate for the region and the country will be discussed at length and the meeting will need to uphold the value of open-mindedness and broad perspective with the benefit of the Union in mind.
Issues related to the implementation of a multi-party democratic system that meets the will of the public and union building issues based on democracy and federalism were explained and discussed by the president of SAC to the representatives of SSPP.
The meeting between SAC and the delegation led by SSPP Vice-Chairman (1) Sat Khe Tai
SSPP Vice-chairman (1) Sat Khe Tai said, “The Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) is honored to have been invited to participate in peace talks like this and we will continue to actively engage in the peace talks.”
Then, SSPP goes on to say that if all ethnic groups work together in unity, we will certainly be able to build a great developed future Union State. Issues such as the implementation of a multi-party democratic system as well as union construction based on democracy and federalism were discussed again by the SSPP side.
According to the announcement of SAC, the Chairman of SAC, General Min Aung Hlaing, said that the military will continue to operate as the protector of the country (Guardian) and that the ethnic groups need to work in accordance with the law conditions, rules and democratic practices in order for them to have democratic and federal rights.
Then, the delegation of SSPP and the peace group led by the Deputy General of SAC, Yar Pyae, will continue to discuss and deliberate from August 5 to 6. SSPP has signed a state-level, union-level preliminary ceasefire agreement (Bilateral) but it is also a Shan armed force that has not yet signed a nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA).
- By CNI News
- Category: English Section
- Hits: 619
CNI News
5 August 2022
Amidst the prohibition of cargo on highway buses as of 4th August, the highway terminal at Aung San Stadium in Mingalar Taungnyunt Township in Yangon Region was almost deserted the next day, according to owners of highway bus lines.
Highway bus lines were closely watching the situation as no one came to the terminal to transport goods, a bus line official told the CNI.
He said, “The terminal was almost deserted. When I asked other highway bus owners, they said they were closely watching the situation as it was heard that authorities were planning to carry out surprise checks within one or two days. The news went viral online yesterday. So, people did not come to the terminal to transport goods and the terminal was almost empty without any cars.”
The township administrator of Mingalar Taungnyunt Township summoned highway bus operators on 3rd August and told them to sell tickets for passengers only and not to accept goods for transportation on highway buses.
Deserted Aung San Stadium Highway Bus Terminal.
As it was very difficult for highway bus services to survive without cargo transportation service fees, However, the administrator told them to wait a week and he would reply to them next week, said a highway bus official, who requested anonymity.
“They said they warned us previously not to accept goods for transportation for security reasons. However, it is very difficult for us to survive with the passenger service alone as only a few people travel these days. Everyone has a hard time. Authorities summoned us to a meeting and read out the instruction not to transport goods on highway buses. Then, they told us to sign a document acknowledging that we have read the instruction and said they would carry out surprise checks. They said they didn’t want to see any goods at our offices. So, we told them our difficulties and a captain told us that he would report the matter to his superior. We don’t know how long we will have to wait. He said it might take at least a week.”
Highway bus lines were previously instructed to inspect goods to be transported by unwrapping their packages but were not told which goods were prohibited.
Highway bus services at Aung San Stadium mainly rely on goods transportation as there are only a few passengers.
- By CNI
- Category: English Section
- Hits: 483
CNI Interview
5 August 2022
The Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) and Tatmadaw are in military tension in Mine Shu, Southern Shan State.
During this period of military tension, on the other hand, General Min Aung Hlaing, the head leader of Tatmadaw, and the delegation led by SSPP's vice chairperson-1 Sao Khur Tai who is also the commander-in-chief, met on August 4 and discussed peace process.
At the same time, due to the news release of the death sentence of Ko Jimmy, Ko Phyo Zayar Thaw, Ko Hla Myo Aung and Ko Aung Thura Zaw on July 25, the SAC is now facing the condemnation from both domestic and international community.
CNI has interviewed Sai Leik, General Secretary of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) regarding those situations.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Vice Chairman of SSPP (1) while meeting with Than Khe Than
Q ။ ။ I would like to know Uncle Sai Lake’s opinion on what should do next concerning being asked to withdraw the SSPP army in Mine Shu.
A ။ ။ The Mine Shu case is not the one which just started. It has been happening since June. The main thing is that if I’m not mistaken, the Myanmar military is dissatisfied with the good relation of the SSPP and the UWSA. Mainly, with the UWSA and SSPP troops combined together, Pin Laoung, Southern Shan State then Pha Lie Toe, next Mine Pyin Toe, from there Kyaukgu and InTaw, those Kyaukgu InTaw belongs to YatSawk area.
So, as it becomes closer to their security line, they were worried and asked the 3 army camps from Mine Shu to move, this is what I understand. In the end, even if the 3 army camps there do not move and the camps around Salin ridge, the west side of this Pin Laoung, is withdrawn, I suppose the Myanmar military steps back.
Q ။ ။ Yes, sir. From the military side, they said this year is their year of peace. First of all, I saw that SSPP is in the list to participate in their peace talks. When this case happened, SSPP didn’t attend. Now there will be the second time soon. So, what do you think military should ease?
A ။ ။ Although the military said this year is their year of peace, he does not show any desire for peace with the organizations that are revolting and resisting him. There are no activities for peace at all from their side. Also, they said that they will liaise for peace with which group and not at all with which group.
And his stand on the Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAO) is not sane. So, what happens is that they called to discuss, but do not care about the other side’s talks and points of views. They just focused only on and talked about what they want. Even in the media, they disclose false and misleading information. There are some incorrect information they revealed which the EAOs actually didn’t say. For example, EAOs support 2023 election.
Jimmy, If you grow up, to be beautiful, While seeing Ko Aung Thu Ra Zaw
In truth, there might not be that kind of discussion. This shows that the military’s position is not proper. And, if they truly want to build peace, they definitely should declare a ceasefire nationwide with the sincere intentions. The last thing is that concerning the ASEAN’s 5-Point Consensus, we consider that he has not exactly followed them.
Thus, with the EAOs, we see that he does not have honest intentions, followed by the conclusion that it is impossible to build peace.
Q ။ ။ This 2022 is designated as the year of peace. He declared NUG and PDFs as terrorists. If he truly wants peace, should these be eased as he is now mostly confronting with PDFs?
A ။ ။ It is absolutely right that he needs to ease. Whether it is related to PDF of NUG or EAOs, he should let the individuals and organizations recognized by the international community intercede and testify honestly and should offer peace with sincere purpose. If it is not like that and treated the citizens as enemies, arrested, tortured and like the death penalty imposed on political prisoners, if they don’t ease those and apologize for what have been done, it would be totally impossible for both sides to reconcile.
Q ။ ။ Yes. Now the ones that have been sentenced to death are politicians. As they are democracy activists, isn’t this death sentence an incendiary act to the current peace matters and political issues they are working? Isn’t the hatred growing big?
A ။ ။ To be blunt, I suppose he just crushed the hope which was there. In the announcement of the special representative of Cambodia, they said they have found a way to meet and discuss with Daw Aung San Su Kyi.
As it was heard that this side had given the green light for having discussions, most of the people thought there would have been some peace-related matters. He broke that kind of hope with this death penalty case. So, the odds for peace talks or political talks have almost gone. I see that this wound will have to be healed at least 2 or 3 years.
Q ။ ။ What do you think is the military’s attitude on diplomacy? The British Ambassador was expelled a few days ago, so he does not maintain relations with other countries and is in contact with Russia in terms of the security and military and with China in terms of the business. Thus, do you think he will just communicate with these two countries like a closed-door policy?
A ။ ။ He only has China and Russia to rely on. And even between China and Russia, it is seen that he has to deal with them depending on the sectors. As you said, when it comes to business, he has to be in contact with China and regarding the arms supply, he has to depend on Russia more.
But I don’t think he can go long-term with that plan. He has no spare cash. As there is no more foreign currency, it is not possible for the long term. Like they have said at the beginning when they took power, they think they can just have relations with a small number of countries. I see it the copy of the style used by NaWaTa in 1988-1989. But the situation back then was not like today.
Back then, people just talked about democracy, now is the revolution duration with the slogan of Federal Democracy and the fall of the military dictatorship. The situation is no loger the same. Thus, if his handling method just continues as before, the country will only be destroyed. They are also going to have to suffer worse than this. I don’t see anything good in the long run.
ASEAN Special Representative Prat So Khun and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing
Q ။ ။ As for the military, do you think holding talks with Daw Aung San Su Kyi and the upcoming elections which he will hold will be his political exit?
A ။ ။ I see that this is not something we can calculate exactly. Most of the PDFs now are not in the position to accept the matter of reconciliation. They are expecting more than that. So, I suppose there will not be a way out with just holding the election in 2023.
Q ။ ။ Coming back to the SSPP case, SSPP is a Shan army. As the Shan army is told to not stay there and just stay here, what will Shan people’s opinions be on those matters?
A ။ ။ In fact, if the public can speak openly and freely, they will just want to have their army in their own state. There is no benefit of having the army that does not concern with their state. They have already experienced for 4,5,60 years. Everybody knows that the army coming from another state will not do anything beneficial for their state.
So, it is sure that Shan state will also want to take responsibility for its own security in line with Shan State’s army. The same goes for other states. So, even if giving orders, threatening and hegemony like the way they used in the past, will be continued to apply, we now see that it will not work in the long term.
Q ။ ။ Yes. Now, according to the news reports in the Shan state area, the military has been increasing its strength. This SSPP also looks like they are ready too. So, if there is war between them, how much suffering will the citizens face?
A ။ ။ The people of Shan state have already nearly-adapted to the war. To be clear, when the rainy season comes every year, they have to suffer the effects of war for many years. There is nothing worse for him than this. Even if there is not war with the Myanmar military, there still is the battle with Shans themselves or with the ethnic groups each other, thus still they need to flee the war area.
NSCA and SSPP delegation
They often have to face the wars. So, even if there is the war with the Myanmar military now, the people cannot do anything but to avoid it as usual. They have no choice. The best is that there is no war and if it can be done in a negotiated way, then the public will be relieved.
Q ။ ။ Yes. With the case of SSPP camp being asked to be moved and the military’s year of peace, what do you want to say as the final remark?
A ။ ။ As I said earlier, the army camps around this Salin ridge are close to their army based in Ba Htoo, Yak Sauk, and this also is the border of Pa-O National Army (PNO), and it is also the old place of RCSS.
Therefore, as they want to get back these areas, I consider they ask us to move to Mine Shu. However, as SSPP who has already owned its place, it is something to consider if they can comply with that. According to what SSPP spokesperson disclosed, if there is a gunshot, it will not just be in one place, they will blow up all of their dominions, thus this is not the situation that anyone from both sides will give up on.
If it is approached in the violent and forceful way, the gunshots may explode, wars can happen, those are unavoidable. If they deliberately continue knowing the consequences, I just would like to consider it as short-sighted.