CNI News

14 February 2025

The Chairman of the State Administration Council Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing urged his chief ministers to stabilize the regions they have taken the responsibility.

 He said the above at the ceremony for grant giving from the national disaster management fund for the people who had to displace due to violent incidents on 11th February 2025.

" The SAC had to extend the state of emergency for another six months according to the current situation and during the six months, we must focus on maintaining peace and stability. Chief Ministers of the Regions and States need to make attempts for the stabilization of the regions they have taken the responsibilities and social economy development." he said.

There is no 100 percent security in any country in the world. There are crimes and broken securities in every country. The public security system had been launched since 2023, he said.

" Every citizen is responsible to uphold 'Our Three Main National Causes: non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of the national solidarity, perpetuation of the national sovereignty and in order to serve the duties and learn military science and serve in the military, the People's Military Service Law has been enacted." said chairman of the SAC.

The main security personnel are the Myanmar Police Force members and they need to be police officers that the public can rely on. And chief ministers need to support them as needed, he said.

While the SAC Chairman was giving out grants for IDPs

The government, the Tatmadaw, indigenous militia and the public need to work together for the regional security, rule of law, peace and stability, social economic development, said chairman of the SAC.

Terrorist groups are taking advantage of the security forces' inaction to commit violence on public transportation routes. So,  it is necessary to pay special attention to territorial sovereignty and traffic safety. Lack of transportation security could affect the flow of goods and could affect livelihoods and social economy, he said.

At present battles are severely breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and resistance groups in Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Tanintharyi, Ayeyarwady and Bago Regions and Kachin, Chin, Rakhine, Shan Kayah, Mon and Karen States.

In the same way, there are thefts, robberies, missing persons and explosions in Yangon Region and rule of law has been weak. Due to battles breaking out across the country, there has been lack of transportations and the people are finding it difficult to travel. 

Because of difficult flow of goods, the people are bearing the brunt of higher social cost.

Moreover, tourism has declined, and foreign income has also decreased.

CNI News

14 February 2025

20,000 kyats will be provided monthly to each temporary displaced person, said the Chairman of the State Administration Council, Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing. 

He said the above at the ceremony for grant giving from the national disaster management fund for the people who had to displace due to violent incidents after meeting with chief ministers from Regions and States on 11th February 2025.

It is reported that a monthly grant would be given from January to December 2025. 

It was necessary to work together to systematically provide grants to all those who were temporarily displaced, said the Chairman of the SAC Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

It was necessary to submit the list of temporarily displaced persons who were not included in the list currently collected and will be collected later and ask for the grant after which it was necessary to provide systematic and verified support, he said.

The SAC did not disclose the total number of internal displaced people in Regions and States.

According to the UNOCHA, there are over three million IDPs because of severe battles between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and resistance groups.

CNI Interview

13 February 2025

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang/Ann Mai (NSCN-K/AM) seceded from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang/Yung Aung (NSCN-K/YA) and established as a separate Naga armed group. 

And then  the NSCN-K/AM is currently holding peace talks with the Myanmar and Indian governments for the development of the Naga region.

On the other hand, because there are many Naga armed groups on the Myanmar side, they are threatening regional stability. Regarding the above situations, CNI News contacted and asked U Chin Aung, the Chairman of the Peacemaking Committee of the NSCN-K/AM.

CNI News: We have known that NSCN-K/AM is currently engaged in a peace process with the Indian government. How's it going?

NSCN-K/AM: We are still in the peace process with India. We absolutely do not accept the construction of a border fence. We have announced not to erect the border fence. This is why our peace process is a bit late.

CNI News: Can we generally say that a ceasefire can be signed when the two sides discuss peace if India does not build a border fence?

NSCN-K/AM: There are Naga people on the borderline with India. When India said they would fence the border, we protested against it. The two sides are still discussing it.

CNI News: Are you discussing this with the central government of India or with the state government?

While seeing the NSCN-K/AM

NSCN-K/AM: Central government

CNI News: Are the two sides still discussing fencing the border

NSCN-K/AM: Yes, that's how it is. We discussed it for the first time. The fence problem emerged for the second time. We have discussed it two times.

CNI News: What kind of relationship do you have with the Myanmar government?

NSCN-K/AM: Our Naga region has been lagging behind in development since the past 50 or 60 years.

 So, we'll carry out the regional development after making peace with the Myanmar government with a view to building a peaceful and stable Naga region.

CNI News: Have the Myanmar government and the NSCN-K/AM signed a peace agreement? Are they still in the negotiation stage?

NSCN-K/AM: We are still in the negotiation stage at the moment in a constructive attitude.

CNI News: When the two sides discussed, Did the Myanmar government regard your organization as the Border Guard Force or militia or an EAO?

NSCN-K/AM: We are not the same as the BGF. As a Naga armed organization, the NSCN-K/AM will never surrender when we maintain the independence policy. We'll protect our region. In this way, we discussed.

CNI News: If so, accepting the NSCN-K/AM as an EAO, the Myanmar government discussed with your organization?

NSCN-K/AM: Yes, It's just like that. They accept us as an EAO to discuss.

CNI News: The Myanmar government wanted some armed groups to form the BGF or militia when they discussed. How was your organization able to discuss?

NSCN-K/AM: They offered us to be the BGF or militia. But we didn't accept it. We are implementing the independence policy. We'll never become the BGF or militia. We'll never surrender to make peace with them. Mainly we are discussing our regional development from which we'll make peace.

CNI News: To what extent has this discussion reached now?

NSCN-K/AM: We haven't signed the agreement. But we collaborate in the administrative mechanism. It's successful.

CNI News: So, what are the points proposed by the NSCN-K/AM?

NSCN-K/AM: Among the points we proposed are mainly regional development projects, education, healthcare and transport. We are carrying out them in collaboration with the Myanmar government.

While the NSCN-K/AM was meting with the NNC

CNI News: If so, how have you agreed to deployment?

NSCN-K/AM: When it comes to deploying troops, we only take as much territory as we can.

CNI News: How is the NSCN-K/AM carrying out regional peace and stability? Are you going in alliance with the Myanmar Tatmadaw or separately on your own? Because there are various Naga armed groups in the Naga region..

NSCN-K/AM: Because there are many armed organizations in our Naga region, we are working in connection with them including the KIA. We have told the KIA not to disturb our region.

CNI News: How are you working with the KIA? Have you met and discussed with them?

NSCN-K/AM: We are dealing with them in a message. We haven't met in person yet.

CNI News: Has the KIA replied to you?

NSCN-K/AM: They haven't replied to us yet.

CNI News: Have you decided to sign a ceasefire agreement with India in what situation?

NSCN-K/AM: The Indian government has also offered us. We are still in the discussion process. Because we have objected to India's fencing the border. We are still negotiating it. In relation to the Myanmar government, it depends on how much the government can comply with our demands.

CNI News: During the leadership of U Kaplang, the NSCN-K signed a Region level agreement. Are you still discussing under the agreement or going in a separate direction?

NSCN-K/AM: We are going under that agreement. No matter what the situation in the country is, because our region and our people are lagging behind in development, we are trying our best to improve regional development, education and healthcare sectors.

CNI News

13 February 2025

Military and political analysts are discussing whether an all-inclusive conference could emerge to resolve the Myanmar political crisis that has been four years long. 

Although it is impossible to hold an all-inclusive conference at present, after the discussions with each group are completed, whether an all-inclusive conference could be held or not must be watched, Director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategy Studies U Thein Tun Oo told CNI News.

" Whether an all-inclusive conference can be held soon or not is questionable. In my opinion, at this time, the main objectives of the armed groups are not the same now. After the SAC discusses with each group, if holding an all-inclusive conference is held, it might be convenient. It must be watched." he said.

The NSPNC and some EAOs that have signed the NCA discussed in order to hold a peace conference in 2023. 

While seeing leaders who attended the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference

According to the NCA, if the conference was held, the NCA signatories only would be able to attend it. So, the conference that goes beyond the NCA could be held, considered by some people.

If a conference was held, it was necessary to include powerful EAOs, U Khun Sai who is included in the peace process told CNI News.

" If a conference is held, it's necessary to include powerful EAOs such as the UWSA and the NDAA so that whether the election can be held or the conference can be held, it will be supportive more or less," he said.

While a peace conference was being held

Although a Union Peace Conference was held under the former civilian government, it was just a little effective.

A Union Peace Conference was held under the government led by President U Thein Sein in 2016 and another one, under the government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in August 2020.

When the NSPNC and the Work Group of political parties met and discussed, political parties presented to hold an all-inclusive peace conference.

However, the SAC has not expressed yet whether it would accept to hold a conference or not.

CNI News

12 February 2025

After reports emerged that former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin would visit Myanmar, whether he could help Myanmar find a way out of the current crisis is being discussed by military and political analysts. 

The reports emerged after the ASEAN special envoy to Myanmar Othman Hashim's trip to Naypyidaw.

If Naypyidaw accepted Thaksin's intervention, a negotiation could take place, the Chairman of the PNLO-NCA/S Col. Khun Okkar told CNI News.

" If Naypyidaw accepted Thaksin's intervention, he could have the ability to push in a way that is not a hard line that is maintained by both his daughter handling on the Thai border and the Malaysian government. A negotiation that contains 60 or 70 percent of stakeholders could emerge without hurting anyone's dignity. The biggest benefit is that the election could be held with a little disruption." he said.

While seeing Thaksin and Sr-Gen Than Shwe

The ASEAN rotating chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar and former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin met on February 2, 2025, to discuss the Myanmar issue. 

If Thaksin came to Myanmar, it would be possible to plan in order that all the stakeholders could show up at the negotiation roundtable, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-Myanmar affairs commentator, told CNI News.

"I haven't heard anything from Thailand regarding the Myanmar issue. Chinese PM Li Chang said at a press conference the other day that China is trying to make an all-inclusive discussion emerge and find a solution together. When the Thai PM met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, they reportedly discussed Myanmar issue. Former Thai PM Thaksin has been very close to the Myanmar military leaders since the days of U Than Shwe and U Thein Sein. So, I think it's likely that he will come to Myanmar to discuss the Myanmar issue. Anwar is the rotating chairman of ASEAN. He told Xi Jinping that he would tackle the Myanmar crisis to end it quickly when he became the Chairman of the ASEAN. They seem to be trying to find an answer after they give in to the military council to an extent." she said.

While seeing Thaksin and Malaysian PM Anwar

Anwar announced that he appointed Thaksin as his advisor to help him in the ASEAN affairs at a joint press conference with Thai PM Paetongtarn on 16th December 2024. 

The meeting between Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar and former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin was beneficial to the ASEAN and focused on the Myanmar issues, said Thai PM Paetongtarn.

The ASEAN has promised to make Myanmar peaceful and Myanmar wants peace as well, said the Thai PM.

Armed conflicts are severely breaking out across Myanmar and there has been over three million IDPs, according to the UNOCHA on 3rd January 2025.

CNI News

12 February 2025

He came to Myanmar to support Myanmar's peace and prosperity, said Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, an Indian humanitarian and global peace envoy. 

He met with the chairman of the State Administration Council, Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw on 9th February 2025.

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing told Gurudev that he heartily welcomed Gurudev, a prominent figure who was trying to achieve global peace in various ways, for visiting Myanmar.

" I'm here in Myanmar to support the peace and prosperity of Myanmar as much as we can. I'm gladly proud of myself to meet and discuss with the Prime Minister like this." said Gurudev.

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing explained to him the situations regarding the emergence of armed conflicts since Myanmar gained her independence until today, The circumstances of the implementation of internal peace processes through ages, Myanmar had been on the path to democracy since 2011, circumstances in which the military performed state duties because of the vote list fraud that occurred in the 2020 general election, reported the SAC.

Moreover, the Chairman of the SAC explained to Gurudev about the SAC's preparations for a free and fair multi-party democratic general election which will be held in Myanmar.

Saying the NLD party was trying to form a government without solving the vote list dispute in the 2020 general election, the Myanmar Tatmadaw overthrew the NLD government and took the State power. 

And then, some NLD leaders and members of the Hluttaw, pro-democracy activists, CSOs and armed groups have been waging the armed revolution to overthrow the SAC and the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

Because of the revolution, battles are severely breaking out across Myanmar and civilians are being killed and fleeing to safety.

CNI News

12 February 2025

There are controversies among military and political observers regarding whether the State Administration Council can maintain power under the 2008 constitution if the council cannot hold the election even though it has said that it will hold the election.

If the SAC chairman is going on like this without being able to hold election quickly, it is not the same as maintaining power anymore; as the chairman has promised that he will hold the election in 2025, elections are an inevitable landscape, Chairman of the PNLO-NCA/S Col. Khun Okkar told CNI News.

" According to the current situation, whether the SAC chairman maintains power or stages a coup d'état, or it is consistent with the 2008 constitution, the election is an inevitable landscape. If the election can't be held quickly and the current situation continues, it's not the same as maintaining power anymore because maintaining power takes a few years. A general election must be held again. The election might not be an answer. But it could be the beginning of a path to finding answers." said Col. Khun Okkar.

While seeing the Union Election Commission and political parties

There are challenges and stability is still needed to hold the election. 

So, the SAC has been extended for another six months in accordance with the 2008 constitution starting from 1st February 2025.

Although the SAC chairman has said that the election will be held, he did not say exactly in which month the election would be held. 

So, regarding whether the SAC is in a position to definitely hold the election there are questions and estimations among military and political analysts.

On the other hand, armed elements are making attempts to overthrow the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the SAC. 

Moreover armed groups have announced that they would surely destroy the election that the SAC will hold.

Although holding elections is an outlet for Myanmar politics, the SAC is in a position to extend its tenure without holding elections and could continue to govern as it is now, general secretary of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) U Sai Leik told CNI News.

While seeing officials from some political parties

" The SAC may extend the state of emergency as it likes. Or it may hand over power to the National Defense and Security Council and take about six months to hold the election. But saying it's impossible to hold the election, the SAC can take power again. But whether doing so is convenient or inconvenient is just the next part." said U Sai Leik.

Saying that the NLD was trying to form a government without solving the vote list dispute in the 2020 general election, the Myanmar Tatmadaw announced the state of emergency on 1st February 2021 and took power. 

The SAC extended the state of emergency every six months starting from 1st February 2021 and it had served for four years on 1st February 2025.

According to Section.425 of the 2008 Constitution, calling it an unusual situation, the SAC has the right to extend the state of emergency as necessary. 

Moreover, as long as a new President is not  elected after the state power is handed over to the NDSC, the SAC has the right to rule the country under Section. 427.

CNI News

11 February 2025

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) was acting undemocratic things in northern Shan State, announced the Shan State Joint Action Committee (SSJAC) on 10th February 2025.

The TNLA has been changing the symbol representing Shan State which was drawn and carved on the entrance sign to Thibaw into that representing Palaung people since 7th February 2025. In the same way, the TNLA destroyed the old palace wall of Sao Su Kham Pha greatly respected by Shan nationalities in Hsellant Village, Muse Township on 7th August 2023, reported the SSJAC.

" At the time when the ancient palace walls of Sao Su Kham Pha, which are treasured by the Shan people, Shan organizations peacefully discussed and resolved it inste

ad of military means in order to prevent ethnic conflict." said the SSJAC.

While a symbol representing Palaung has been described on the entrance sign to Thibaw Town by the TNLA

In the same way, the TNLA acted the same cases in Mong Yu region, Kutkai Township and in Mong Yin region, Namtu Township. Moreover, the TNLA was acting undemocratic things in northern Shan State, which was disregarding the desire of local people, reported the SSJAC.

Because the TNLA was carrying out for the sake of its organization only without resect for the people and its actions were against the objectives of the current revolution. Moreover, the TNLA acted against the peaceful coexistence among nationalities with no conflict. So, it strongly condemns the actions of the TNLA, released the SSJAC.

In cooperation with the MNDAA, the AA, the BPLA, the KNDF, the PDF, the PLA and the DPLA, the TNLA launched Operation-1027 on 27th October 2023 and captured Namkham, Namtu, Nansang, Mangtong, Mong Ngor, Kutkai, Thibaw, Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, Mogok and Momeik.

The SSJAC is a committee that has been made up of Shan political parties, Shan EAOs and Shan CSOs.

CNI News

10 February 2025

Mutual shots broke out between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the People's Defense Force (PDF) that are active based in Malan (Pemalan) Village, said locals. 

During the argument over the distribution of cabbage, the KIA started to punch after which mutual shots broke out on the night of 7th February 2025, said locals.

" Yesterday, in Pemalan Village, a former gold digging place, mutual shots broke out between the KIA and the PDF during the argument over the distribution of cabbage. The KIA started to punch. And then, mutual shots broke out." said a Hparkant local, adding that casualties on both sides had been unknown yet.

Even though the KIA and the PDF jointly attacked the Myanmar Tatmadaw, because the KIA tend to take all seized weapons and ammunition, there are disputes between the two sides, said those close to them.

" When the KIA-PDF joint forces attack the Myanmar Tatmadaw, the KIA takes all seized weapons and ammunition for the Myanmar Tatmadaw. And then, it provides the PDF as needed. So, the PDF has kept all seized weapons and ammunition from the battles they waged without letting the KIA know. Because the KIA has to resolve the PDF case sometime in the future, it should be able to control the PDF from now on." said a person close to the KIA-PDF.

Although CNI News tried to ask the KIA about the above-mentioned incidents, the contact is still not available.

The KIA and the PDF are jointly attacking the Myanmar Tatmadaw in Sagaing, Mandalay Regions, Kachin State and norther Shan State.

Currently, they are waging offensives in order to capture Bhamo Town in Kachin State as well as Inndaw, Banmauk and Homalin Towns in Sagaing Region.