CNI News

3 May 2024

Battles are taking place between the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) and the Chin National Front (CNF/CNA) in Tedim Township, Chin State reportedly.

The battles have been breaking out along the Myanmar-Mizoram State, India Trade Route and near Laithwee Village until today, Puzothang, Eastern Division Director from the ZRA told CNI News.

" They come and fight against us. They invaded our territory. In fact, we have no mind to fight against them. When we had deployed our forces for security in our territory, they came and fought against us. Some of our forces were injured. At the time when I'm speaking now, the battles are breaking out. We can confirm that their two forces were killed and our two forces were injured but not seriously." he said.

It was good to wage the democratic revolution, but fighting to invade others' territory was not good, he added.

While seeing the CNF force

Taking advantage of the period when battles are currently breaking, Chinland Council troops led by the CNF was carrying out military movements to capture the territories that Chin brothers have controlled and if the CNF continued its territorial invasions, unity among the Chin people could disintegrate and lead to bloodshed, six groups of Chin Brothers stated on 1st May, 2024.

Territorial disputes among revolutionary groups in Chin State might weaken the participation of Chin State in the Spring Revolution, U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" To tell you the truth, most of territories in Chin State have been dominated by Chin armed groups. It's right. But there are about 14 Chin armed groups in Chin State before they could drive out all of the military council's forces from Chin State. Because there are lots of disagreements and disputes among Chin armed groups, the pace of Chin State's attacks on the military council has declined considerably. Moreover, some Chin groups don't like that the Arakan Army (AA) has captured Paletwa Town, Chin State. Because of the problems that emerged like that, Chin State's participation in the Spring Revolution becomes weak." he said.

Although CNI News contacted Salai Htet Ni, spokesperson of the CNF by phone to know more about fighting in Tedim, it has not been able to get in touch with him. 

While seeing the ZRA force

" In fact, we are all brothers in Chin State. If you stay in your place and join the revolution, as we have expected, the military dictatorship will end. Otherwise, if Chin armed groups are fighting against one another, we couldn't enjoy peace. Every group should try to prevent from further fighting. The CNA should not invade other groups' territories. According to the current policy of ours, we are controlling ourselves. But if they are going to conduct in a racist manner, it can lead to a bad side. They are saying that we are collaborating with the military government on media for the sake of their interests. But they might not success to an extent. Later they have to reap what they sow." he said.

Battles often break out between the ZRA and the CNF/CNA in Chin State. The ZRA is active in Tonzang, Tedim Townships in Chin State as well as  Kalay, Tamu Townships in Sagaing Region, Kabaw valley region and on the India-Myanmar border areas.

The CNF is a Chin EAO that has signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and its headquarters is located in Thangtlang Township. It is active in Hakha, Tedim and Matupi.

CNI Article

3 May 2024

Myawaddy, a small beautiful town, dreamt about the apparent nature of a war although it could not be known whether it was a beautiful dream or a dreadful one. 

In that dream, battles were severely took place between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and armed groups of the opposition elements in and around Myawaddy.

After the Thin Gan Nyi Naung military camp of the Myanmar Tatmadaw, near Myawaddy was captured, armed forces of the opposition elements launched an offensive in order to capture Myawaddy when the No. 275 Infantry, the Myawaddy City Guard, had to retreat to the vicinity of the Thai-Myanmar No.(2) Friendship Bridge.

On the other hand, the civilians who lived in Myawaddy were suffering from heat of grief and had to cross the river and ran away to the Thai side, carrying their children on their backs.

While armed forces of the opposition were able to enter a military camp of the Tatmadaw in Myawaddy

These incidents were ceaselessly reported by The Reporter, a Thai News Agency and when the security forces of the Myanmar Tatmadaw were no more in Myawaddy, the opposition forces seized the control of the town and were patrolling for security, which the news agency reported.

When the opposition forces had controlled the headquarters of the No.275 Infantry, Mr.Thapanee Eadsrichai went to the headquarters and took photos of the ground situation including raising the KNU flag after which they were broadcast by the news agency.

Those who watched those images online believed that Myawaddy had been captured by the opposition forces because the opposition elements applied the news media and propaganda at the same time while they were waging battles, and were able to persuade the public mind.

While Mr.Thapanee Eadsrichai, a reporter from the Reporter arrived in the No.275 Infantry Battalion and was taking photos

The date when the people saw online that the opposition forces were able to control Myawaddy was 15th April, 2024. That day was only a date of dream when the opposition forces reported or stated that they had seized control of Myawaddy.

When I woke up scarily from that small beautiful dream and got up and looked out of the window, I had to know that Aung Zeya Operation led by Vice Sr-Gen Soe Win was being implemented to ensure that Myanmar Tatmadaw could seize control of Myawaddy; that Myanmar Tatmadaw could regain control of Thin Gan Nyi Naung military camp and in order to send military reinforcements to the No.275 Infantry.

After that, battles broke out severely in and around Myawaddy and along the Kawkareik Road going to Myawaddy and the KNU/PDF joint forces retreated after which the Myanmar Tatmadaw regained the control of Myawaddy and raised the national flag at the No.275 Infantry, Myawaddy City Guard.

The reason why the Myanmar Tatmadaw was able to regain the control of Myawaddy was because there were disagreements among the leaders of the KNU, said a KNU leader.

While the Myanmar Tatmadaw was re-hoisting the national flag at the No.275 Infantry Battalion

" Most of the KNU leaders and the Karen National Army (KNA) were worried that the stability would be damaged and they were also worried that the friendship with Thailand would be damaged. Some leaders of the KNU wanted to capture Myawaddy. So, there were disagreements among the leaders. Moreover, locals were also worried that the town would be ruined." he said.

Because Myawaddy Town is the main gate for the Thai-Myanmar trade and the trade value is several million dollars each day, some leaders of the KNU were worried that the friendship between the two governments would be broken. So, the KNLA/PDF joint forces retreated reportedly.

Moreover, because some leaders of the KNU had understood that peace talks must be conducted with the Myanmar Tatmadaw sometime in the future, the KNU made a decision to lift the operation that would control Myawaddy, explained a person close to the KNU.

However, the NUG and the PDF, opposition elements, wanted to try to go on controlling other regions after seizing control of Myawaddy. So, they have different ways of thinking from some of the KNU leader, he explained.

Some KNU leaders who are eager to control Myawaddy envied the military success of Operation-1027 waged by the AA, the TNLA and the MNDAA and their battles that could capture territories and the leaders had a burning desire to control Myawaddy, said a dissident who has arrived on the Thai border.

While seeing the national flag of Myanmar

" EAOs and the NUG like " You take the territory that you can capture" form. So, they waged battles to capture Myawaddy. To be able to do so, a powerful country supported them. Humanitarian financial assistance given by the powerful country became weapons. At that time, some KNU leaders imagined to do as northern EAOs did. Opposition elements were also encouraged. They brough some journalists and stated they had captured Myawaddy. But the geographical position is different from northern Shan State. Some KNU leaders had different ways of thinking from other leaders. So, the KNLA/PDF joint forces retreated." he said.

To control Myawaddy was a big goal of the revolutionary forces and opposition elements. Moreover, it was a big dream of theirs for the future.

Because the Myanmar Tatmadaw had understood that Myawaddy might be a decision for the country, it might attempt to go on controlling Myawaddy in various ways, explained a person close to the Myanmar Tatmadaw. And then, the Thai-Myanmar No.2 Friendship Bridge decided for the country.

The role of the Karen National Army that was transformed from the BGF was very important to the decision, said a member of the opposition elements.

In Myanmar, democratic movements break into pieces when economic sanction on Myanmar could not make the administration disintegrate. 

While seeing the Myawaddy Trade Zone

That is to say, the economic crisis alone could not make the administration disintegrate. 
Moreover, if the democratic elements of the opposition were not strong, they would have to depend on a powerful government such as Beijing or Washington and they would have to stay under the influence of that government.

So, Myanmar might be trapped in the conflict of the two powerful countries and it could become a country that gets worse than one whose politics and economy are unstable, which everyone should take care of.

In any case at present, there have been agreements to keep Myawaddy as a non-combat economic zone, to allow the No.275 Infantry resettle at the original place and to reinstate government employees from customs and immigration departments.

So, Myawaddy was just a small dream town of the opposition elements, those in the opposition at the border commented.

CNI News
1 May 2024

Although the number of licensed overseas employment agencies has been nearly 560,  the number of agencies that actually operate is just a few, according to overseas employment agencies and those carrying out for the migrant workers affairs, told CNI News.

Although there were over 300 overseas employment agencies only after 2021, the number of agencies increases until 560 in April, 2024.

Because the agencies were not strictly scrutinized, only nominal agencies increased rather than the agencies actually operating, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED), told CNI News.

" To tell the truth, the agencies have had the upper hand since the coup took place. According to workers, they hired an agency at 15 lakh kyats, for example. If the workers didn't come at the time of appointment, the agencies said to the workers," Don't you go abroad for work at 15 lakh kyats? Those who are waiting in line to go abroad at 16 lakh kyats." So, the number of agencies that want to do nominally has increased. If they can't send workers, there is a percentage that workers have to submit to the agencies in advance since the registration was made." he said.

While seeing the labor office

Because the number of people who wanted to go abroad has increased after 2021, overseas employment agencies could make money easily. In addition to opening an agency in the name of an individual, its family members also established agencies reportedly.

Although the number of agencies increased until two times within two years, old agencies only mainly were operating, an official from an overseas employment agency, told CNI News.

" There are 560 agencies, but the number of agencies that are actually operating not over 100 agencies. Although there are about 400 agencies that send workers to Thailand. But they can operate only if they have things to do. But we have worked for years and we have loyal customers. It doesn't make any difference to us." she said.

Some nominal overseas employment agencies sent workers to Thailand without responsibility and accountability. And there were also human trafficking's, those who are helping migrant workers told CNI News.

While seeing the labor office

There have been still problems when sending MoU workers, U Tun Win Naing, chairman of the Migrant Workers Rights Network (MWRN), told CNI News.

"Many MoU workers coming from Myanmar for construction site complained that they didn't get resignation letters; workshops kept passports their passports and employers didn't pay fully. We had to hand over two groups to the Myanmar Embassy." he said.

there were many liars who pretended to be licensed agencies because agencies have increased a lot.

So, the Ministry of Labor should scrutinize the agencies and the agencies that could not send workers abroad for long should be taken action against by suspending license, they pointed out.

CNI News
1 May 2024

There are shortages of fuel and basic foodstuffs in Putao, Kachin State and the prices are increasing exponentially as well, according to locals.

The road between Myitkyina and Putao has been closed for about two months because of battles that broke out between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Myanmar Tatmadaw on that road. So, commodities didn't enter Putao anymore, said locals.

At present, in Putao, a gallon of gasoline is paid about 100,000 kyats; a barrel of diesel, 22 lakh kyats and a bag of rice, 2.5 lakh kyats. Moreover, green groceries, kitchen grocery crops and dried noodle have been out of stock reportedly.

With higher price of diesel, because it was difficult to buy it, it was not convenient for agricultural industry, U Bran Shaung, a resident of Putao, told CNI News.

While the fuel is being put in a tank

" Gasoline is available in some places, I think. But its price is nearly 100,000 kyats a gallon. Gasoline is mainly used for motorcycles to travel. If you cannot buy gasoline, you'll have to go on foot like in the past. It's not very convenient for those who didn't buy diesel in advance to do the agricultural work. But some people get the diesel, I heard. But the price is so high. The price went up until 18 to 22 lakh kyats about two weeks ago. But I don't know the price now." he said.

Because the current period is the time when the locals are working in the farm and upland plantations on a small scale, it is important to get fuel. Moreover, because the schools will reopen in the near future, fuel is needed, said locals.

Some social assistance associations are finding it difficult to exist anymore because it is difficult to get fuel and have stopped their work, a resident of Putao told CNI News.

While seeing people selling goods in Putao

" A man passed away a few days ago. About 20 people from the funeral service attended the funeral. Some smaller funeral services are no more. Fuel is needed to carry out a matter of life and death. In any case, if the road is reopened, it will be convenient." he said.  

Because workers are finding it difficult in transportation due to hard availability of fuel and some of them have to stop their work. Despite the news that the Myitkyina - Putao section would be reopened in a few days, it was not clear when it would be, said locals.

That road is mainly important to the Putao region and if it is reopened, commodity prices will decline.

CNI News
1 May 2024

Vice Sr-Gen SoeWin, Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) and Deputy Commander in Chief of the Defense Services reappeared in public view on 29th April 2024.

It has been nearly one month since he disappeared from public view. He went to the Tatmadaw Hospital in Mawlamyine and met the officers and other ranks receiving treatment there on 29th April.

The SAC broadcast the news of that meeting at 8:00 p.m. on 29th April. Lt-Gen Nyunt Win Swe, Commander of the No-2 Special Operation Team, Deputy Chief of the Military Security Affairs, Commander of the Southeastern Command and military senior officers were met together with Vice Senior General Soe Win.

Vice Sr-Gen Soe Win supervised the operation to regain the control of Myawaddy, Karen State, which was captured by the KNLA/PDF joint forces.

While holding a meeting to supervise the operation, revolutionary forces attacked with drones and because of that attack, Vice Sr-Gen Soe Win was wounded, which the revolutionary groups stated.

However, Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of the SAC responded to the claims that Vice Sr-Gen Soe Win was missing from the public view by saying that he was healthy and serving the duties.

CNI News
30 April 2024

Although the Pa-O self-administered region has become stable after the battles between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the revolutionary forces ceased, IDPs have not been able to go back to their native places reportedly.

Sesai Town that was damaged by the battles was being cleaned and some battles were breaking out in the border regions only, Saw Khun Kyaw Win, member of the central executive committee of the Pa-O National Organization (PNO), told CNI News.

" For the time being, most of the territories including Sesai and Maenal Mountain have become stable. Some battles are still breaking out in the border regions. To the best of my knowledge, some of IDPs ha gone home. But some have not been officially allowed to go home. Clearance processes including land mines are being carried out." he said.

The Myanmar Tatmadaw and the PNO have seized control of Sesai Town and the PNO might be militarily active in the No-6 Special Region; if there were other armed groups in their region, battles might break out, he said.

 While seeing the ruins of Sesai

The battles began between the PNO and the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA) in San Phu Village, Hopong Township in January, 2024.

Locals had to flee to safety because of battles between the Tatmadaw/PNO joint forces and the PNLA allies and Sesai was burned and damaged. At present, the people were finding it difficult to travel and facing crises, a local of Pa-O region, told CNI News.

" Mainly, the people can't travel smoothly. The transport was difficult even when we were in the village. It's very difficult to do business or trade at present. So, we, the people want peace. The rainy season will set in soon. We'll have to grow. For that, we'll have to make preparation. Because it' difficult to buy necessary things, we want to be peaceful." he said.

While seeing a PNLO comrade

There has not been a situation in which local people can go home safely. However, some of IDPs have gone home, said Saw Khun Kyaw Win.

" Almost the entire Sesai was damaged. I can't estimate how much damage in the rural area and villages. Sesai was mainly damaged. There might be a little damage in the southern part of Pinlaung. In Hopong Township and Maenal Mountain, monasteries and four or five villages were damaged. The monasteries were set fire." he said.

According to the 2008 Constitution, Pinlaung, Sesai and Hopong Townships were designated as the Pa-O Self-administered Region.

CNI News

30 April 2024

The Myanmar Overseas Employment Agencies sending MoU workers to Thailand by Yangon-Don Muang flight were not allowed to buy air tickets and visas, but an assigned company had to purchase them, the agencies told CNI News.

A worker must pay 145 dollars for an air ticket and service. However, because the cost has not been released separately, it was costlier than that they bought themselves, pointed out overseas employment agencies.

" 145 dollars has been designated to buy an air ticket and service for a worker. But we are not allowed to buy ourselves. The company that has been assigned are allowed to buy them. It's very costly. Agencies want to know how much the service fee is. A visa is paid 1,300 bahts. the Thai agencies have to take the responsibility for the visa. We are not allowed to apply for the visa ourselves. The service to get a visa is paid 800 bahts, I heard. I don't know why." said an official from an overseas employment agency to CNI News.

MOU workers going to Thailand would be sent from Yangon-Don Maung Airport starting from 29th April, and sending MoU workers by MAI and MNA airlines only would be allowed starting from 11th May, the Directorate of Labor stated.

Although CNI News phoned and asked the Migrant Worker Branch of the directorate to know more exactly about the air ticket and service fees, it made no answer.

While seeing Myanmar migrant workers

In sending workers to Malaysia or sending MoU workers to Thailand by Yangon-Don Muang flight, agencies were allowed to buy air tickets in the past.

However, agencies are not allowed to buy air tickets themselves any more since the Yangon-Don Muang flight was officially designated to send MoU workers reportedly. So, if overseas employment agencies were allowed to buy air tickets and visas, the cost could be reduced a little for workers, U Min Oo, In Charge of Labor Affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED), told CNI News.

" Because an assigned company only are allowed to buy air ticket and service, it's unjust a bit. The cost has gone higher. If the cost for the air ticket and service was higher, it wouldn't be convenient for workers." he said.

Myanmar MoU workers were regularly sent from the Myawaddy-Mae Sot No.1 Friendship Bridge in the past and there were camps that welcomed the workers in Mae Sot. However, because the MoU workers would be sent by Yangon-Don Muang flight starting from 29th April, the camps that welcome the workers would be transferred to Don Muang reportedly.

CNI News

30 April 2024

Associations and organizations in Myanmar and organizations concerned from China discussed in order to be able export Myanmar mangoes to China without causing transport difficulties and time delays, according to traders. 

They discussed in order to export Myanmar mangoes quickly without being stopped for interrogation along the way and three mango trucks have been exported as a test for the time being, Ko Thitsar, a trader, told CNI News.

" We have three trucks of mangoes as a test. discussion is being conducted to get the green line transport for mango. Mango is different from watermelon and cucumber. In fact, mango is in the green line. Vehicles which are going in the green line must not be interrogated. The goods in the green line contain perishable green groceries, fish and meat, as well as patients. They must not be stopped. Organizations from both countries are discussing about the green line." he said.

Myanmar mangoes

Mangoes that is different from other fruits or crops could get good prices only when it arrive in the market in time; however this year border trade with China is not conducted through Muse and Kyin San Kyawt but through Myla border trade; so there might be time delays, said traders.

So, fruit wholesale centers, trader associations and relevant organizations are making efforts to facilitate the export of mangoes. If the mango export route was convenient, mangoes could be exported to the Myla border trade post in three days, said traders.

Because the cost for exporting mango this year is higher than the last year and there are some difficulties relating to the weather and transportation route, growers, whole sale centers and traders, should take care of information about mangoes, U San Aung, a mango trader, told CNI News.

a China-Myanmar border trade gate

"The Chinese market currently demand the best qualification of mangoes. Transport charges is higher. The weather also is so hot. Six towns of Myanmar are included in the world hottest towns. These are challenges. If we can overcome these challenges, we'll be successful. Mango farmers, brokers, agents and departments all need to cooperate. Because we are currently depending on the Chinese market, we hope the best. Farmers also should listen to the news because transport charges are so high. I'm worried that farmers will make a loss." he said.

When Myanmar mangoes were exported to China through Wan Ding-Kyin San Kyawt checkpoint in the past, the export was faster and the cost was lower. However, because the export must be conducted through the Myla border trade post in the eastern part of Shan State, each truck costs about 100 lakh kyats. So, some traders don't export mangoes reportedly.

40,000 to 50,000 tons of Myanmar mangoes such as Sein Ta Lone and Hintha were exported to China yearly in the past. However, in the wake of political changes, difficult trade route, higher transport charges as well as reduction in input utilization in mango farms emerged. So, the tonnage of mangoes exported to China was also decreasing, said traders.

CNI News
28 April  2024

Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, the Minister of Home Affairs of the State Administration Council and Mr.Wang Xiaohong, the Minister for Public Security of China met and discussed to promote the cooperation in relation to the personnel and project security in Beijing on 25th April 2024.

"China is carrying out to improve the China-Myanmar relation, always looking at it from a grand strategy perspective; China wants to seriously collaborate with Myanmar in the rule of law and the security sector; it wants to thoroughly fight cross-border crimes such as online scams and narcotic drugs; it wants to seriously collaborate with Myanmar in the personnel project security; it continues to push the building the through thick and thin Chin-Myanmar community and it wants to carry out for the two countries and regional security, stability and development." said the Xinhua News Agency.

Lt-Gen said that Myanmar wanted to deepen the cooperation with China in the bilateral law enforcement and the security sector, according Xinhua. China has invested in the projects such as electricity, natural gas, petroleum, copper, metal and deep water ports and in a lot of other businesses.

While Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, Myanmar Union Minister for Home Affairs was meeting with Mr.Wang Xiaohong, the Chinese Minister for Public Security on 25th April 2024

China is worried about the security of its investments and its citizens The reason why China is worried is because of the current instabilities that came after the Tatmadaw had toppled down the NLD government on 1st February 2021 and took the State power and the Tatmadaw said the NLD was trying to form a government without solving the vote list dispute.

And then, the public demonstrations against the SAC arose and some people protested against the Chinese Embassy. Moreover, some businesses owned by Chinese citizens were also burned.

On top of that, the battles are severely breaking out between the Tatmadaw and revolutionary forces in the regions where there are Chinese projects and investment.