CNI News
26 October 2025

The expansion of armed conflicts in many regions is due to the Tatmadaw (Myanmar military) having to act defensively against the opposing forces, said Colonel Wunna Aung from the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC).

He was responding to questions from the media at a press conference on October 17, 2025, concerning the NCA (10th) Anniversary event and the peace process workshop.

Colonel Wunna Aung from the NSPNC stated that the Myanmar military is compelled to retaliate because the opposing armed groups have crossed into its territory and initiated battles, even in urban areas.

He said, "In any case, besides initiating battles in the towns and cities, there are terrorist acts. They are destroying all the infrastructure. We discussed this in our meeting, following the saying that it is necessary to understand and distinguish between the government and the state. One must understand the government, and one must understand the state. Besides destroying all the state's infrastructure, they are also terrorizing and killing peaceful citizens, treating them as enemies if they are not on their side, which we are reporting in the news. Anyway, when the other side crosses into our territory, initiates battles in urban areas, and carries out terrorist activities, we sometimes have to fight in self-defense. Therefore, we are forced to take protective action in response to terrorism. That is why we want and desire peace. That is also why, at this time, we are raising various topics related to peace and working to involve the armed groups in the peace process and to inform the people."

Colonel Wunna Aung of the NSPNC said that previously, the ethnic armed organizations that signed the NCA were no longer in the cities but remained in their former locations, observing a ceasefire and negotiating peace with one another.

Military and political observers point out that since the political change in Myanmar in 2021, the number of armed groups has increased, and armed conflicts have become larger and more widespread, leading to a greater number of civilian casualties.

Colonel Wunna Aung from NSPNC seen at the press conference on October 17, 2025

Due to these developments, the Myanmar peace process continues to be necessary, and the civil war must stop, added Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), at the press conference on October 17.

He said, "Our Myanmar peace process is still needed. Even though there is a war, we discussed at this 10th-anniversary event that it is necessary to stop this civil war for the sake of the people, the country, and the interests of the entire nation, so that everyone across the nation and the world knows—all citizens and ethnic groups, both in the war zones and the non-war zones, know what is needed in their hearts. People in the war zones are moving to non-war zones. They feel it in their hearts; their homes, their children, and their grandchildren are left behind. There are groups who come here and groups who are left there, and sometimes they can't even connect with each other."

While the government has officially announced that the first phase of the election will be held on December 28, there have been no unofficial meetings between the military and the armed groups currently engaged in fighting on the ground.

Therefore, military and political observers point out that the government that comes into power after the election will face significant challenges regarding peace.

Currently, the Myanmar military is also seen gradually working to regain control of the territories it has lost.

CNI News

25 October 2025

Although everyone should work together for the good of the country in Myanmar, the nation is fragmented because groups are acting independently, each seeking their own dominance ("Thu-talu Nga-ta-min" - "one person a king, another person a king"), political analysts point out.

Peace can only be achieved through compromise and a genuine desire for peace, said Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for the National Defence and Security Council, at the 10th anniversary of the NCA (Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement) on October 15, 2025.

Political analysts note that there are various concepts, ideas, and efforts in carrying out the peace process.

Due to the "one person a king, another person a king" approach in Myanmar, the country is fragmented, U Htet Aung Kyaw, a political analyst, told CNI News Agency.

Some ethnic armed leaders

He stated, "For the country to develop, everyone must join hands and proceed together. It is because of this 'one person a king, another person a king' that the country is in this state. If everyone were united, with the feeling and outlook of working only for our nation, this country would develop quickly. It is because the country is so fragmented that it is in such a poor state. The country will be able to rise out of its current difficulties the fastest only when everyone fulfills their respective duties and engages in politics with the sincere intention of working for the nation. Politics should be pursued with the perspective that everyone can join hands for the good of the country."

In Myanmar, on February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military removed the NLD government and declared a State of Emergency, citing the failure to resolve disputes over the 2020 general election voter lists as the reason for the government formation attempt.

Since then, nationwide protests and armed resistance movements have emerged and remain unresolved to this day.

Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News Agency that the country needs consolidation and strength as it is in a state of "The country is fragile, and the storm is fierce."

Some ethnic armed leaders attending the NCA ceremony seen.

He explained, "This 'one person a king, another person a king' leads to warlords. It heads toward the country being fragmented into pieces. If the Union is unstable and disintegrates in this way, it can never reach the path of development. So, we must politically organize and persuade them to unite and prevent this 'one person a king, another person a king' situation. If they are not united, we must unite them. If their opinions differ, we must prevent divergence and enable them to march together. If they become warlords, as mentioned earlier, we must focus on how to approach them politically and how to consolidate and strengthen the nation to prevent them from becoming warlords. Only with unity can the country recover from the current situation. This idea refers to armed organizations, as they are associating with different groups—joining one person, then another, for their own benefit, as I said earlier: 'The country is fragile, and the storm is fierce.' Therefore, the country needs consolidation and strength."

Military and political observers point out that there is currently no political agreement in Myanmar, and the peace process is stalled.

Similarly, while the Myanmar military remains as a central point for political and peace talks, there is no common agreement among the opposition and revolutionary forces on who or which organization has the mandate to lead the negotiations.

CNI News

24 October 2025

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland–Khaplang/Yung Aung (NSCN-K/YA) announced on October 22 that it would resist India’s domination, oppression, and acts of ethnic extermination through the united strength of the Naga people.

The statement came after the Indian military attacked one of NSCN-K/YA’s bases in Lahe Township, Sagaing Region, on October 20.

According to the group, the unprovoked attack clearly demonstrated that the Indian army is an enemy of the Naga people. NSCN-K/YA further accused India of pursuing territorial expansionism and exhibiting militaristic aggression.

The statement also said that killing innocent civilians and threatening Naga revolutionaries would not achieve any meaningful goal. It warned that if violence against Naga communities continued, the group’s response would be fierce, leading to serious repercussions.

The son of the late Maj-Gen Pee Aung seen in photo

A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told CNI News that since the Indian drone strike occurred inside Myanmar’s territory, the issue concerns not only the Nagas but also Myanmar’s sovereignty.

He said: “From what we’ve heard, this happened because of the military tension between Major General Pee Aung’s NSCN-K/YA group stationed near the border and the Indian army. For example, when Indian forces patrol near the Myanmar border, Pee Aung’s group sometimes opens fire, leading to clashes. But this time, since the attack was by drone and happened inside Myanmar’s territory, it also involves Myanmar’s affairs. It’s about bilateral relations and border issues between the two countries.”

He added that since India and Myanmar currently maintain good bilateral relations, both sides could resolve the issue through negotiation, avoiding further escalation.

Myanmar political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw also told CNI News that the incident should not be interpreted as Indian territorial expansion.

Indian drone and NSCN-K/YA forces 

He said: “It’s not that India is trying to expand its territory. Both governments will need to discuss and clarify what exactly happened and why. Since both countries have very friendly relations, it’s unlikely to become a serious problem if handled through proper coordination.”

Earlier, on October 15, NSCN-K/YA attacked an Assam Rifles base near Hatman village, in Manmao area, Changlang District, Arunachal Pradesh, injuring at least four Indian soldiers.

The group’s attack was seen as retaliation for India’s earlier drone strike on July 13, 2025, which targeted NSCN-K/YA and ULFA (I) camps in Lahe Township, Naga Self-Administered Zone, Sagaing Region, Myanmar.

After that strike, the Indian military again launched a drone attack on an NSCN-K/YA base in Lahe Township on October 20.

The NSCN-K/YA continues to fight with the goal of uniting the Naga people living in India and Myanmar to establish an independent Naga Federal Republic.

CNI News

24 October 2025

Following remarks that the “Wa” could obtain statehood if they entered Parliament, discussions have emerged among military and political analysts about whether the United Wa State Army (UWSA) might actually participate in Parliament to seek the establishment of a Wa State.

At a peace workshop held on October 17, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services and Chairman of the National Solidarity and Peace Negotiation Committee (NSPNC), Vice Senior General Yar Pyae, stated that under the 2008 Constitution, if the Wa wanted to have their own state, they should participate in elections and formally propose it in Parliament.

However, sources involved in the peace process told CNI News that UWSA leaders understand that it would be very difficult to gain parliamentary approval for Wa State and therefore find it hard to accept the suggestion.

U Khun Sai, who has long been involved in the peace process, told CNI:

“That’s just what he (Lt-Gen Yar Pyae) said, according to the 2008 Constitution. Under that Constitution, such an issue must be decided not only in (Hluttaw) Parliament but also through public referendums. So, when this topic came up during the peace workshop, Wa leaders reportedly understood the point—but their top leaders still rejected it. It’s understandable. In Shan State, the Wa population is small, and they have few representatives in Parliament. So, it wouldn’t be easy to pass a motion establishing a Wa State through parliamentary means. That’s why Wa leaders likely find it difficult to accept that path.”

Lt-Gen Yar Pyae

During the previous governments of former President U Thein Sein and the NLD, requests were made for elections to be held in UWSA-controlled territories, but the UWSA flatly refused. It remains unclear whether the Myanmar military government's elections will be allowed to hold in those areas this time.

Currently, Hopang Township, which is under UWSA control, is not included in the list of constituencies for Phase 1 of the general election scheduled for December 28, 2025.

However, U Nyi Rang, the head of the UWSA liaison office in Lashio, has publicly stated that the UWSA supports the upcoming election.

Analysts noted that the NSPNC Chairman’s comments appear to be part of an effort to expand the number of areas where elections can be held. They also observed that while the UWSA is maintaining good relations with the military, it does not necessarily mean it will follow everything the military says.

UWSA troops providing security in Pansang, the Wa region.

Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China–Myanmar affairs analyst, told CNI News:

“For now, it doesn’t seem like the Wa will contest in the election. They’ll probably just observe. I don’t think they’ll act exactly as instructed by the military. The military, on the other hand, is working hard to make the election look legitimate and to hold it in as many areas as possible to claim legal authority over the whole country. That’s why they’re trying to ensure elections are held in all the territories they can. But I don’t think the Wa will actually hold elections. They just want to maintain good relations with the military—nothing more.”

At present, the UWSA-controlled areas operate independently of central government authority, with their own administrative, legislative, and judicial systems.

The UWSA signed a ceasefire agreement with the Myanmar military in 1989, after which it was granted self-administrative status over Hopang, Mong Mao, Panwai, Nahpan, Metman, and Pansang townships, forming two districts collectively known as the Wa Self-Administered Division.

However, although the UWSA has a bilateral ceasefire with the government, it has not signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).

CNI News

24 October 2025

Although voter lists for the upcoming general election in Myanmar, scheduled for the end of this year, have already been announced for public inspection, political analysts have pointed out that public interest remains very low. 

Therefore, they suggest that the authorities should enable people to check their voter information online.

According to the Union Election Commission (UEC), the voter lists for the upcoming election would be displayed at township-level election sub-commission offices from September 30 until the second week of October 2025 for public review. However, since very few people have gone to check their names in person, experts recommend that online access should be made available to make the process easier.

Demonstration on how the Myanmar Electronic Voting Machine (MEVM) will be used in the upcoming election

Political analyst Dr. Myo Set Thway, who plans to contest in the election as an independent, told CNI News that:

“They should definitely make it possible to check the voter list online. But for now, the system is such that it’s more like assigning work to the public. If it could be done online, it would be much more convenient. People could either go to the polling stations to check their names or do so online. This election is very important, and people need to vote. In order to vote, they must first know where their names are on the voter list. Political parties have a big responsibility here. They should educate the public and encourage voter participation. When someone truly wants to vote, they’ll make the effort to do so. Therefore, the key task is to motivate people to want to vote.”

Myanmar’s first phase of the 2025 general election will be held on December 28, 2025, and unlike previous elections, ballot papers will not be used. Instead, voters will cast their votes using Myanmar Electronic Voting Machines (MEVMs).

For that reason, political parties have emphasized that both the process of checking voter lists and casting votes should be made available through an online system, to ensure greater accessibility and transparency.

Citizens checking the voter list

U Thein Tun Oo, spokesperson of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), told CNI News that coordination among relevant bodies and the election commission would make it faster and easier for the public to check their voter lists:

“When it’s time to make corrections, they should do it. If someone’s name is missing, they can apply using Forms 3 or 4 — those procedures already exist. If all relevant organizations and the commission work together, voter list checking can be done more quickly. The UEC has also been announcing it widely through various media outlets, encouraging the public to check their names and ensure a successful election. We’ve also seen that text message notifications are being sent via mobile phones. If political parties and candidates take this matter seriously and actively engage in it, the process will become even more successful.”

During the 2010 general election, over 29 million people were eligible to vote, with more than 22 million casting their ballots. In 2015, there were over 34 million eligible voters, and in 2020, over 37 million. The total number of eligible voters for the 2025 general election has not yet been announced.

Currently, the first phase of the election will take place on December 28, 2025, across 102 townships, and the second phase is planned for January 2026, covering another 100 townships.

CNI News

23 October 2025

All of us must cultivate the spirit of being Myanmar (“We are Myanmar”), said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission.

He made the remarks on October 21, 2025, during a meeting with students from the seventh batch of the five-year course at the University for the Development of the National Races of the Union, held at the Myanmar International Convention Center (MICC-1) in Naypyitaw.

“Our ethnic nationalities must nurture a Myanmar spirit — the spirit of unity that makes us say ‘We are Myanmar.’

With this national spirit of solidarity, we must work hand in hand for the peace, prosperity, and development of our nation.

Likewise, young students from all regions should be trained and encouraged to possess positive thinking, willingness to participate, cooperative spirit, unity, and helpfulness,” he stated.

He further said that safeguarding and defending the country’s independence and sovereignty is an inborn duty of all citizens of the Union. Therefore, all people of the nation must stand united with a strong Union spirit to protect and preserve the nation together.

Since Myanmar gained independence in 1948, the country has been unable to resolve fundamental issues such as ethnic equality, self-determination, autonomous administration, establishment of democracy, and the creation of a federal union — leading to the ongoing internal conflicts up to the present day.

As a result, ethnic-based perspectives have emerged, making it difficult to build a true sense of “We are Myanmar.”

According to Article 450 of the 2008 Constitution, the Myanmar language is prescribed as the official working language.

This provision implies that the “Myanmar language” and “Myanmar speech” essentially mean “Bamar language” and “Bamar speech.” Consequently, analysts in military and political circles have pointed out that non-Bamar ethnic groups might find it difficult to accept or identify with the notion of “We are Myanmar.”

CNI News

23 October 2025

Military and political analysts are raising concerns about whether the recommendations from the "Building a Peaceful Future for Myanmar" workshop, held in Nay Pyi Taw recently, can be practically implemented.

It is reported that the workshop, held in Nay Pyi Taw from October 15 to 17, 2025, resulted in 101 recommendations, with 48 recommendations in the political sector and 53 recommendations in the economic sector.

Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, Chairperson of the Yangon Watch Group, told CNI news agency that if even one-third of these recommendations, not necessarily all of them, could be implemented, it would have significant visible consequences for Myanmar's affairs.

She said, "These recommendations don't require a lot of work. Try to implement about half; even if you can't do half, try one-third, and you will reap many obvious benefits. But in reality, they are often not implemented. That's why we encourage and motivate the leaders to make them happen. The main thing is the next government. These discussion recommendations are action plans for the next government. Therefore, we hope that the leaders of the next government will implement them, as these are suggestions made by the public and experts for the sake of the country and the economy."

Holding the workshop

It is still unclear whether the current administrative body will implement the 101 recommendations from the "Building a Peaceful Future for Myanmar" workshop, or if the new government that comes into power after the election will implement them.

Moreover, military and political analysts point out that questions remain, such as whether the Parliament (Hluttaw) will implement them, or if the implementation will require presentation to and approval by the Parliament, or if implementation can only proceed after receiving other discussion points and full approval.

Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, who attended the workshop, stated that most of the recommendations from the workshop do not need to be carried out in Parliament but should be implemented by the leaders of the government.

Dr. Aung Myo, a Myanmar political analyst, told CNI news agency that if the government prepares and implements these recommendations in the best way possible, the desire for armed resistance could decrease.

Holding the workshop

He said, "It will certainly have an impact. In any case, ethnic groups will be satisfied. Economic development will also be achieved. In any case, the country's situation will improve to some extent. That's because if the government creates a better administrative system and environment, it will be a positive factor to some extent in suppressing internal insurgency. We believe that if the government prepares well, the desire to resort to armed opposition will also decrease."

Those who attended the workshop said that the recommendations included suggestions for political and economic reforms that should be carried out within the first 100 days after a new government is formed, as well as conditions that would allow for greater participation of civilian leaders needed for the future state.

In Myanmar, the Union Agreements reached at the "Union Peace Conference" held under U Thein Sein in 2016 and the "21st Century Panglong - Union Peace Conference" held under Daw Aung San Suu Kyi have not been implemented to this day, despite being approved by Parliament.

CNI News

23 October 2025

The Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) does not view the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) as a scrap of paper, said Lieutenant Colonel Oum Khay, Spokesperson for the RCSS, to the CNI news agency.

Six ethnic armed organizations and breakaway groups that had signed the NCA issued a joint statement on October 13, stating that the Myanmar military's coup in 2021 openly destroyed the essence, fundamental principles, and objectives of the NCA, thereby rendering the agreement a scrap of paper.

These organizations include the Karen National Union (KNU), the All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF), and the Chin National Front (CNF), who signed the NCA, as well as breakaway groups from NCA signatories: the New Mon State Party (NMSP-AD), the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO), and the Lahu Democratic Union (LDU).

Lieutenant Colonel Oum Khay, the RCSS Spokesperson, told CNI news agency that the RCSS does not view the NCA agreement as a scrap of paper and is adhering to it seriously.

Lieutenant Colonel Oum Khay of the RCSS

He said, "We, the RCSS, do not see it that way. Our organization is still taking the NCA seriously and following it. We are still implementing it. We don't see it as a scrap of paper, as others have said. The aspirations of ethnic groups differ from one group to another, so there is nothing to criticize."

The NCA agreement was first signed during the administration of President U Thein Sein on October 15, 2015, marking its 10th anniversary on October 15, 2025.

However, military and political analysts point out that the NCA's processes have been stalled since after 2020 and remain so today.

A total of 10 organizations signed the NCA: KNU, RCSS, ALP, DKBA, KNU/KNLA-PC, PNLO, CNF, ABSDF, NMSP, and LDU.

However, due to differences in stance following the political changes in 2021, the peace process is currently being pursued only with the 7 groups that remain committed to the NCA.

 General Yawd Serk and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing seen together

Lieutenant Colonel Oum Khay, RCSS Spokesperson, told the CNI news agency that peace must be based on the NCA and carried out with adherence to the mutually agreed terms of the contract.

He stated, "If we talk about peace, it is based on the NCA. But the implementation of the NCA is what is important. Therefore, as I just mentioned, it is necessary to proceed according to the contract agreed upon by both sides. That is what I want to say. It is necessary to proceed with adherence to the terms contained in the NCA agreement. There are many instances where the agreed terms of the contract could not be implemented. But I don't want to go into detail."

Political analysts suggest that while there are not many points in the NCA that need to be rectified, non-functional points should be reviewed, and necessary adjustments should be made.

Currently, the ABSDF, CNF, and KNU have declared the NCA defunct and are engaged in fighting with the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw). Similarly, the PNLO, ALP, LDU, and NMSP have split into two factions, with some withdrawing from the NCA and others continuing on the NCA path.

CNI News 

23 October 2025

U Myo Kyaw of the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA) told CNI News Agency that political parties intending to contest the upcoming election are operating in a manner suggesting they will only gain power by aligning with the Tatmadaw.

Part (1) of the election in Myanmar is scheduled to be held on December 28, 2025, with approximately 5,000 candidates, comprising 57 political parties and 95 independent candidates, set to compete.

U Myo Kyaw of the UNA said, "We are seeing many high-ranking military officers—generals, major generals, colonels, brigadier generals—being included in the parties to contest the election. They are creating and orchestrating this election scenario. On the other side, it's just these soldiers, these dictators, dressed in traditional jackets, working to seize power again."

"The political groups that plan to contest the election are also acting on the idea that they will gain power only by aligning themselves with the military. Therefore, the people must completely reject this. Let them form a government with just one or two votes if they wish. We would say they are forming a government dishonorably," he added.

Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing seen.

Currently, the Myanmar Tatmadaw has been governing under a state of emergency since February 1, 2021, after overthrowing the NLD government. The military claimed the NLD attempted to form a government without resolving disputes over the 2020 General Election voter lists.

Following the coup, the "Political Parties Registration Law" was enacted on January 31, 2023, requiring political parties to re-register. Preparations are also underway to hold the election.

U Thein Tun Oo, a spokesperson for the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), told CNI News Agency that political parties contest elections to win the votes of the people, questioning what party in human society does not seek power.

Chief Min Aung Hlaing, armed groups, and political parties seen.

He stated, "A political party is established because they want to benefit the state and the citizens. To do good and get the mandate to act, every political party strives to win the votes entrusted by the people. In this pursuit, what party in this world does not want power, does not want to win? Because if they want to work for the people and the country, they must have the mandate to act. Every party sets the goal of winning the election and works towards it. Therefore, those who are criticizing should consider how their own trusted party has stood. Aligning or not aligning with the military is not the main issue. Talking about aligning with this or that is merely the words of a meaningless group of people. People can analyze and criticize as they like based on this, but a party is based on its stance and policy."

Currently, Part (1) of the election in Myanmar is scheduled for December 28, 2025, in 102 townships, followed by elections in another 100 townships in January 2026. The parliament is expected to be convened in February 2026, and a new government formed in March.

Military and political observers point out that the government that emerges in 2026 will be one led by the Myanmar Tatmadaw, and the political parties will merely be in a position of waiting to be selected to join the government led by the Myanmar Tatmadaw.