CNI News

4 September 2024

It is difficult to sell highway bus tickets to the Rakhine and Shan State locals, according to highway bus lines. 

If the passengers from Shan and Rakhine States were carried on the bus, because they were questioned more and the trip was delayed, it was difficult to sell them, said an official from a Yangon-Meiktila-Mandalay bus line.

" If locals from Rakhine, Shan States and Sagaing Region are on the bus, the trip is delayed. If the locals from Rakhine State are on the bus, it gets worse. It's not convenient. If the young men are on the bus, it gets worse." he said.

If the passengers who have held UID cards were on the bus, it reportedly would be more convenient. 

At present, it is convenient for older people to travel and youths are mainly checked, according to highway bus lines. 

The roads to Rakhine and Shan State have been closed, said the bus lines.

However, the Information Team of the SAC has answered to media that all ethnic groups could travel with no one being restricted.

Regarding the news was coming out of directions so as not to sell Palaung, Kokang and Wa nationalities holding 13 stroke (Shan State) national registration cards at the highway bus terminals, information team answered that.

Checks and verifications were being mainly conducted in the border areas related to online scams or Zha Pian, which was included in the answer.

CNI News
1 September 2024

Efforts must be made to make dignified Hluttaw and election emerge, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council while he was meeting with the government of Bago Region.

Census-taking activities would be conducted in October this year to ensure accuracy of ballot information. So, it was necessary to make an all-out effortfor the 100% collection capacity in Bago Region in carrying out census-taking within Bago Region, he said.

" Efforts must be made to hold an orderly general election and national responsibilities must be handed over to the government that emerges from the election; efforts must be made to make the election and Hluttaw as well as to have meetings quorum in the Hluttaws and to be able to hold dignified meetings of the Hluttaw as well as to enable designated representatives to attend the Hluttaws." said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

Only if those who should be included in the Hluttaws in the respective regions were included, would there be representation in the parliament, he said. Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said that a general election would be held in 2025 and the State power would be handed over to the winning party.

At present, the Union Election Committee has allowed over 50 political parties to register.

However, it has refused a powerful Arakan National Party in Rakhine State to register.

The National League for Democracy (NLD) that is powerful throughout the country and the Shan and Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) that is powerful  in Shan State did not register.

China would support the election that would be held by the SAC and wanted all the stakeholders to participate in the election, said Chinese FM Wang Yi while he was meeting with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing on 14th August.

CNI News
1 September 2024

As the leaders who will rule the country in future, they need to work for the benefit of the people, chairman of the Tailai (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP) Sai Htay Aung told CNI News.

As citizens, they need to love their country more than individuals; a political leader's mistake can ruin the country, he said.

" Now if we review the current conflict that is taking place in the country, it's because citizens love individuals more than the country. If every citizen loves the country more than individuals, there is no reason for this problem to occur. So, both politicians and military leaders need to work for the sake of the people. A political leader's mistake can ruin the country. A military leader's mistake can make his comrades die. When the political leader and the military leader are wrong, the country has been worn out already. So, I'd like to tell the leaders to work for the sake of the people. And I want to urge the citizens to love the country more than individuals." said Sai Htay Aung.

Political change caused by the disagreement of the leaders of the country which started on 1st February 2021 caused a crisis to the people, pointed out political circles.

While seeing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

And then, armed conflicts broke out across the country and some international organizations imposed sanctions on Myanmar and devaluation of Myanmar kyat has arisen.

It was not easy to solve armed conflict by arms; political problems must be solved by political dialogue to create stability for the people, chairman of the Karen National Democratic Party Mahn Aung Pyi Soe told CNI News.

" It's not easy to solve armed conflict by arms. This method has been used for over 70 years. It will be able to be solved at the political roundtable, I think. Influential politicians, parties and scholars will gather and discuss at the roundtable. If they meet and solve problems with love for the country and with desire for peace, an answer will be produced, I hope." he said.

Political disagreements that started on 1st February 2021 cannot be solved up to now. Houses of the people were damaged or burned down. Moreover, they are facing injuries and deaths, higher commodity prices and scarcity of jobs.

CNI News

31 August 2024

If the people change from PV (passport for visit) to PJ (passport for job), will they be allowed to go abroad to work? Businessmen and those performing for the issues of migrant workers are asking that question. 

If the problems emerged between employers and workers, because the problems could not be solved with PV, if the people went abroad to work, they'd better to go abroad with PJ, Ministry of Labor notified through state-owned media.

Why are the people who will go abroad to work for their families' livelihood and  other reasons being controlled? 

This question must be asked. 

He wondered if the people would be allowed to go abroad easily if they follow the instructions, U Aung Pyit Sone, a businessman, told CNI News.

" How fast will PVs be changed into PJs for those who will go abroad to work? How many OWIC (Overseas Workers Identity Card) cards will be issued? The problem is that
They work outside because the business at home is not good. If the door is closed, they will be only there to starve. If the people do what they ask, will they provide service easily? Because they will allow those who have PJs and OWIC cards. The people with PV went abroad and are working there and the number of them is many. How did they allow them to go abroad? " he said.

Because PJ holders who will go abroad to work are allowed on an age limit, they are making preparations to go abroad with PVs. After those conditions occurred, the passport issuing office banned changing from PJ to PV.

While seeing place inside the Yangon Airport

Allowing those with PJs to go abroad on an age limit has existed up to now; the Ministry of Labor has announced to lift the limitation; however, if those with PVs change to be ones with PJs to go abroad to work, they are questioning whether the restriction will be relaxed.

Not everybody who went abroad with PV was to work there, In charge of labor affairs from the FED, U Min Oo told CNI News. 

" Those who will go abroad with PJ must have OWIC cards. They must have jobs in the country where they will go to. Because they have to go abroad with MoU, they don't have enough time to complete all the evidence. So, they went abroad with PVs at first and they work if they are hired for jobs. If they aren't, they won't." he said.

If those with PV went abroad, they would be sent back at the airport; they would be allowed only if there was someone who would give recommendation for them, which are spreading on social media. 

Although CNI News asked an official from the immigration department about it, there was no one who would answer the phone.

Government departments are restricting and controlling people who are going to work abroad in all various ways and it affect the State because it could lose tax. 

Moreover, it could affect the public livelihood. 

So, restricting those who will go abroad to work should relax, pointed out people.

CNI News

31 August 2024

The Chinese government sent the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) a warning letter in which the TNLA must stop fighting at once on 29th August 2024. 

The Chinese side said that its military exercises were about to finish on the Chinese side and hoped the TNLA stopped fighting at once and would cooperate with China to maintain the peace and stability in the China-Myanmar border areas.

“Fighting must stop immediately in order to maintain stability and peace on the China-Myanmar border and protect the lives of Chinese citizens. Actions must be taken to eliminate dangerous military behavior that can affect the peace and stability on the China-Myanmar border and the lives and properties of the Chinese citizens. Otherwise, the Chinese will use more ways that would make fear and obedience emerge and the TNLA must be “responsible for the consequences." said the Chinese side in the letter.

While seeing the letter sent by China to the TNLA

In cooperation with the MNDAA, the AA, the MDY-PDF, the DPLA and the PLA, the TNLA waged Operation-1027 on 27th October 2023 and captured Namkham, Nansang, Mantong, Kutkai, Namtu, Mong Ngor and Monglon Townships in northern Shan State during the operation.

And then, the TNLA waged second part of Operation-1027 and seized control of Kyaukme and Nawnghkio Townships in northern Shan State as well as Mogok and Momeik Townships in Mandalay Region.

In the same way, the TNLA helped the MDY-PDF to seize control of Madaya, Sintku and Thabeikkyin regions. 

Moreover, the TNLA and the MDY-PDF are making preparations to attack Pyin Oo Lwin and Mandalay City. Because of the battles, the China-Myanmar border trade has suspended, and towns and villages were damaged in the region.

While seeing the MDY-PDF

Although the Haigen Discussion has been held up to five times at the China's mediation so as to stop fighting, the sixth discussion cannot be held up to now.

After that, China conducted military exercises, including live-fire drills along the China-Myanmar border.

China hoped that the TNLA would come back to the right track as soon as possible so as to promote peacemaking and to negotiate and solve the disagreements, said in the letter.

CNI Article

31 August 2024

The Tatmadaw staged a coup d'etat in 1962, saying federalism led to secession. 

At that time, the people were enjoying full democracy under the government led by Prime Minister U Nu. 

However, because of inequalities in the distribution of administrative power and natural resources, non-Bamar ethnic groups demanded federalism and the distribution of natural resource ownership. 

Having said that federalism that was demanded was to call for secession and led to the disintegration of the country, the Tatmadaw led by U Ne Win staged a coup d'etat and silenced the federalism.

While seeing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

When the government led by U Thein Sein came to power, the Tatmadaw expressed that it accepted federalism. 

However, peace building and implementation of federalism have not been successful until today (2024).

Myanmar's rule of law has been destroyed throughout the country and the armed conflict has escalated. 

Similarly, the military strength of the Tatmadaw has become weak and the administration has also become weak.

Therefore, armed groups have been implemented using words 'right to self-determination and self-governance' from the idea of building a federal union.

There are two kinds of self-determinations and one has the right to secession and the other, no right. In the past, some EAOs talked about self-determination with no right to secession and others, one with the right to secession. However, both groups are talking about self-governing.

The Arakan Army (AA) has said that it would get the self-governing status not lower than the United Wa State Army or confederation (confederate) status. 

The EAOs that have received confederation status beyond federalism are the UWSA and the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA)-Myla.

Now the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) has started implementing self-governance. 

While seeing General Yawd Serk

" We'll have to start governing in the territories that we, seven NCA signatories, have controlled with our self-governing system. We'll have to carry out administration, security, economy, education, healthcare and livelihood as well as other services. We'll have to build the federal union step by step. We need to carry out in accordance with the principle - working together for the same purpose and working separately for different purposes." said General Yawd Serk, chairman of the Restoration Council of Shan State at the meeting of the seven NCA signatories held from 17th to 19th March 2024.

In the same way, because there would be considerations beyond federalism in 2025, a federal union should be built as soon as possible, said Vice Chairman of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) Lt-Gen Gun Maw while he was meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing in 2018.

Moreover, if the situation arises to establish a country, Palaung people must make preparations to get ready, said Maj-Gen Tar Bone Kyaw, general secretary of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) on 18th August 2022.

" Depending on geopolitics and the current world political situations, if this country cannot be established as a federal union, small countries can arise after this country is divided into pieces, so our Ta'ang (Palaung) people need to think about it thoroughly. We need to make thorough preparations. If the country can be established as a federal union, we need to make attempts to protect our nationality as a state. Otherwise, the country cannot be established as a federal union; because of geopolitics or world politics or revolutions are so strong, if small countries arise, we need to make preparations to build a country of our own." said Maj-General Tar Bone Kyaw.

While seeing leaders of the MNDAA and the UWSA

If you look at the above-mentioned situations in general, EAOs are found that they are making preparations to build confederates rather than federalism, considering the current situation of Myanmar politics, weakness of the Tatmadaw, public opposition to the Tatmadaw and international situation. Otherwise, they seem to have the ideas of building the status higher than confederation.

The Tatmadaw responded demanding federalism by staging a coup d'état, saying federalism was equal to disintegration of the country -  how it will tackle the situation in which EAOs could demand confederation status beyond federalism is interesting.

The international community will not tolerate the disintegration of Myanmar or the collapse of central authority because they are worried if the collapse of central authority, small countries could arise and territorial wars would take place among ethnic groups.

At present, territorial wars are breaking out among the TNLA, the MNDAA, the KIA, the PDF, the UWSA and the SSPP in northern Shan State as well as among the KIA, the AA, the PDF, the SNA, the KNO (Kuki) and the NSCN in Sagaing Region as well as among the AA, the CNF, and the CND in Chin State as well as among the AA, the ALP, the ARSA and the RSO in Rakhine State as well as among the PDF, the TNLA and the KIA in Mandalay Region.

Because of the above-mentioned situations, efforts to build confederation from a federal union previously intended, what will happen to the future of Myanmar will have to be watched.

CNI News

30 August 2024

The traders association should tackle why the commodity price doesn't decline while the prices of foreign currencies gradually have been declining since a few days ago, pointed out businessmen. 

Traders who bought products while the prices of foreign currencies went up, they raised the prices of the products that they would sell.

However, when the prices of foreign currencies have fallen, shops go on selling the goods at the prices that were previously designated. 

So, if the prices of goods traders bought, when the goods were sold back, the prices should be lowered, which the government released rules and regulations and should strictly supervise, U Aung Pyit Sone, a businessman, told CNI News.

While seeing a meat market

" Government officials should meet with officials from the Chamber of Commerce, the Myanmar Rice Federation, the Myanmar Edible Oil Dealers Association and so on and should lay down policies to reduce the commodity prices. But we need to take some time. It's unlikely to reduce commodity prices as soon as the price of the dollar falls. If traders happen to buy goods at a very high price once, they don't reduce the prices of the goods they sell even when the buying prices are falling. In fact, traders should reduce the prices while the government should tighten after rules and regulations are released." he said.

Foreign currency prices rose sharply a few days ago because migrants from all over the country bought a lot of dollars and gold. The prices of foreign currencies fell a few days ago because they were bought just a little, reviewed by businessmen.

Although the prices of foreign currencies declined, commodity prices didn't decline, which was before as well; although it was not easy to get rid of that nasty habit, if the economic system was bettered, it would be convenient, U Htay Aung Kyi, a banking expert, told CNI News.

While seeing City Mart supermarket

" We must say it's part of Myanmar culture. Not only the government but also the people need maturity. Generally, the items bought at high prices might remain in the shop. The prices don't fall for the time being because it might be difficult to sell them out. Foreign currencies must be used when we trade with foreign countries. It's necessary to make the incentive system correct." he said.

It was not easy to make commodity prices fall as soon as the prices of foreign currencies fall. If the prices of foreign currencies are falling for a month or so, commodity prices could gradually fall, according to some people.

CNI News

30 August 2024 

Ethnic groups need to unite so as to solve internal problems, Director of Eastern Division of the Zomi Revolutionary Army, Puzothang told CNI News. 

It would be difficult to find an answer for the current conflicts; it was necessary to negotiate and consult among ethnic groups so as not to damage the entire country, he said.

" It's hard to say what the answer is. There are many different ethnic groups not only in Chin State but also in Shan State. There are northern allies in northern Shan State and Shan ethnic armed groups in eastern Shan State. For the time being, it's hard to find an answer. It's necessary to negotiate and consult among ethnic groups so as not to damage the whole country. If you have your own state and it's convenient in your state, that's OK. But this idea must be abandoned. If all the ethnic groups are united, it will be effective when they discuss with the military dictator. Otherwise, if EAOs are not united, it's still difficult to find an answer." said Puzothang.

While seeing ethnic people

In Myanmar, there are many EAOs and some are NCA signatories, some are southern organizations, some are northern organizations, some are close to western groups and some are close to China. 

At present, some NCA signatories are discussing peace with the SAC while some EAOs, in collaboration with Spring Revolution elements, are fighting against the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

In the past, 21 EAOs met and discussed with the government and at present, their beliefs were declining in the discussion, chairperson of the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) Daw Saw Mya Raza Lin told CNI News.

While seeing leaders from various organizations

 "21 EAOs discussed with the Union Peace Working Committee of the government in 2012 and 2013. We were able to start talking from a situation where we were fighting against each other and we were able to build mutual trust to an extent. But now, their beliefs have declined. At any rate, we need to push to make talks emerge. Mainly, the more we can meet and discuss, the more we can build mutual trust." she said.

Although some EAOs, some political parties, ethnic elements, the ASEAN and some international organizations are making efforts in order to resolve armed conflicts that are currently taking place, they have not been able to solve it.

CNI News

30 August 2024

Over 20 EV (electric vehicle) passenger cars have been allowed to be imported, an official from the Ministry of Industry told CNI News. It is reported that at present, three EV passenger cars have reached Myanmar. 

" Three EV passenger cars have arrived here in Myanmar for the time being. There's more to come as well. As we have allowed over 20 EV passenger highway cars, they will arrive in due course. We can't say exactly when they'll arrive." said an official from the Ministry of Industry.

Although a Yangon-based passenger car line, Mandalar Min is running EVs, Yarzar Min, a highway bus line, will start running EVs in the end of September, it stated.

However, new highway bus lines have not applied to buy EV passenger cars. 

Mandala Min highway bus line which started running EV cars is initially running the Yangon-Naypyidaw trip only and the fare for one person is reportedly 25,000 kyats.

While seeing an EV passenger highway car from Mandala Min bus line

 Relevant authorities and entrepreneurs are working on to enable EV passenger cars to run on the Yangon-Pathein Road, the Yangon-Pyay Road, the Yangon-Taungoo-Meiktila-Mandalay Union Road and the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway. 

EV passenger highway cars could reduce the rise in temperature; air pollution and fuel consumption and preserve the environment kind of; moreover, preparations were being made to enable passengers to travel comfortably without noise pollution, released Mandalar Min bus line.

Passenger highway EV cars have been exempted from paying toll gates until 2025. Moreover, EV passenger highway cars have been allowed to import without having to pay the tax until March, 2025. If necessary, charging stations would be built anymore, an official from the Ministry of Industry, told CNI News.

" There are two kinds of charging stations for EV cars. One is public charging station and the other, private charging station. If the use of EVs increases, more charging stations will be built. It's sufficient for the time being." he said.

There are four charging stations in Naypyidaw and five, in Yangon and five, in Mandalay, and five, on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway.

The government has intended to use only EV cars all over the country before 2050.