CNI News

10 June 2025

The Ta’ang Political Consultative Committee (TPCC) announced on June 9, 2025, the formation of the Ta’ang Land Council (TLC) to govern the territories captured and controlled by the TNLA after fighting against the  Myanmar Tatmadaw during Operation 1027. 

The political summit of the Ta’ang Political Consultative Committee (TPCC), which includes the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Ta’ang National Party (TNP), and Ta’ang CSOs, was held from June 1 to 3, 2025.

Then, they accepted and approved the “Ta’ang State Revolutionary Government Plan” drafted by the Ta’ang State Constitutional Drafting Committee (TSCDC) and decided to form the “Ta’ang Land Council” as the highest political authority in the Ta’ang State during the revolutionary period. According to the plan, the TPCC, which was formed on March 24, 2021, has been transformed into the TLC to oversee and lead the executive, legislative, and judicial pillars of the Ta'ang State, the TPCC announced.

While seeing the announcement of the formation of the Ta'ang Land Council

Therefore, the Ta’ang State Council (TLC) had been made up of  General Tar Aik Bone (TNLA Chairman), Lwe Moe Kham, Tar Aye Maung, General Tar Khu Lan (TNLA Vice Chairman-2), Ta Aung Pe, Tar Kyaw Tun, Lwe Moe Hlaing, Lwe Poe Kame' Chaing, and Captain Lwe Ye (TNLA), the TPCC announced.

The TLC will make every effort to establish a Ta’ang People’s Government by 2025 as soon as possible, based on the territories captured by the TNLA and its allies in Operation 1027, with the leaders of the three groups and appropriate representatives of the people, said in the statement.

The TNLA launched Operation 1027 on 27 October 2023, with the AA, MNDAA, KNDF, PLA, PDFs, MDY-PDF, BNRA, and DPLA in northern Shan State and Mandalay Region.

During Operation 1027, the TNLA was able to control of the townships of Nansang, Man Tong, Namtu, Nam Kham, Kutkai, Kyaukme, Nawng Cho, Mong Ngor, Mogok, Momeik, Mabein, and Thibaw.

CNI Interview

10 June 2025

The SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has said that elections in Myanmar will be held one place after another in December 2025 and January 2026.

CNI News Agency asked the Union Election Commission (UEC) which system will be used in the elections, which regions will be prioritized, and how the elections will be held one place after another.

CNI: Will the December 2025 election be held under the PR system, the FPTP system, or a mix of PR and FPTP?

UEC: The upcoming election will use both the previous First Past the Post (FPTP) and Proportional Representation (PR) systems.

CNI: How many of the 330 townships in Myanmar are scheduled to hold elections?

UEC: At the time of the announcement of the election date, elections will be held in the townships where they can be held, and in the areas where they cannot be held, depending on the prevailing security situation.

According to the Union Election Commission's current statistics, elections are scheduled to be held in 267 townships.

CNI: I want to know whether the voting system for the Pyithu Hluttaw is PR or FPTP.

I want to know whether the voting system for the Amyotha Hluttaw is PR or FPTP.

I want to know whether the voting system for the Regional and State Hluttaw is PR or FPTP.

UEC: The upcoming election will use both the previous First Past the Post (FPTP) and Proportional Representation (PR) systems. Details will be announced after the relevant Hluttaw election laws and regulations are enacted.

CNI: There are concerns that the election results may be rigged, as the voting system will be Myanmar Electronic Voting Machine (MEVM). How can you ensure that this does not happen?

UEC: Trial voting with MEVM machines has been conducted in central institutions, ministries, universities, social organizations and 9 regions/states in Nay Pyi Taw, and political parties have also tested. The voter can verify the results themselves. Test voting has shown that there are no errors in the results. The voting machine does not include Internet, Wifi, Bluetooth systems. It does not include Windows operating systems (OS) like computers.

It is a very simple and secure system as it is a microcontroller system.

In accordance with the Myanmar Standards Act (2014), the quality and standards of the voting machine are being carried out to be certified at the national level.

CNI: Which Regions and States are being planned to hold the elections first? I would like to know which regions will be the second priority.

UEC: Except for areas with restrictions due to geographical conditions, all regions and states are scheduled to hold elections in phases according to the priority plan.

CNI: Will the December 2025 election be held on a single day or how many days will be allowed for voting?

UEC: The upcoming election is scheduled to be held in phases, and the dates for each phase will be designated.

CNI: In regions and states where elections have not been able to be held yet, don't political parties that have been formed to contest in those regions need to contest elections any more, or in what form can they be allowed to contest elections? How will the people in those regions be able to vote? (For example, consider the parties and people who will be competing in Rakhine State, Chin State, Kayah State, Kachin State, and Sagaing Region.)

UEC: In accordance with the electoral system to be implemented, constituencies will be determined in regions and states according to the relevant Hluttaws, and efforts will be made in order that political parties will be able to compete in the elections. People will also be able to vote at polling stations designated by constituency.

CNI: For example, in Rakhine State, elections can be held in three townships, and there are MPs for only those three townships, while the MPs for the other 14 townships will be left vacant. Or will the other 14 townships be asked to vote for representatives from the three townships that can be held? In that case, I would like to know how the people who will vote will be asked to vote on their behalf.

UEC: We are working to enact and publish the relevant Hluttaw election laws and regulations that will be in line with the new electoral system.

The Hluttaw representatives will be selected according to the constituencies where the elections will be held. We will know on detail after the law is enacted.

CNI News

9 June 2025

The decision made by the International Labor Organization (ILO) will not affect employers, workers, and businesses in Myanmar, so they can continue to work peacefully without worry, announced the SAC Ministry of Labor on June 6, 2025. 

During the 113th Session of the International Labor Conference of the ILO, a resolution regarding Myanmar was adopted on 5 June 2025.

The Ministry of Labor said that the decision was based on political approaches and was a unilateral decision made with the aim of putting pressure on the Myanmar government through the ILO. 

“The decision made by the ILO is intended to exert political pressure, and will not have any impact on employers, workers, and businesses in Myanmar, so they can continue to work peacefully in their workplaces without any worries,” said the ministry.

The Ministry of Labor announced that it will continue to cooperate with the international community, including the ILO, in a manner that does not affect Myanmar's sovereignty and independence, in order to ensure that the rights of workers, which are important for Myanmar's development, are promoted in accordance with the law, develop social lives, and create employment opportunities.

The ILO's action against Myanmar under Article 33 could affect other businesses, including the garment industry, and increase unemployment rates, business owners have pointed out.

CNI News

7 June 2025

Any member of the Mara ethnic group under 45 must do a military service, announced the Mara Territory Council (MTC/MDF) on June 5, 2025. 

During the third Mara People's Assembly, the first Central Council Meeting was held from May 30 to June first.

20 proposals regarding defense, health, education and general administration, as well as controling all Mara territories were discussed and decided. Moreover, any member of the Mara ethnic group under 45 must do a military service - the proposal was confirmed, reported the MTC/MDF.

The statement said that the Mara Territory Council (MTC) agreed to continue its efforts to achieve federal democracy, overthrow the military dictatorship, and achieve a fully secure political system for the entire Mara people.

Mara people live in Matupi, Thantlan and Paletwa Townships in Chin State. The Maraland Defense Force (MDF) was made up of the Chinland Defense Force and the Mara Army at
the first Mara People's Assembly that was held from January 29, 2022 to January 30, 2022.

The MDF has been involved in armed conflicts during the political crisis that began on February 1, 2021, and is fighting the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the SAC to overthrow them.

CNI News

7 June 2025

The ongoing fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar Tatmadaw in Kyaukpyu, Rakhine State, where the Chinese project is located, is causing a rivalry between the East and the West, according to military and political analysts. 

The AA, which has controlled 14 of the 17 townships in Rakhine State, is continuing its battle to capture Kyaukphyu town.

Chinese security forces could fight alongside the Myanmar Tatmadaw to protect China’s interests, while Western countries could help the AA, thus creating a power struggle between East and West in the Kyaukpyu battle, Colonel Khun Okkar, chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Front (PNLO/NCA-S), which signed the NCA, told CNI News.

The Security Forces Law was issued to protect the economy. After the security law was issued by Nay Pyi Taw, registered security forces arrived. These security forces will protect and safeguard their interests, and will do whatever they can to protect them, in various ways. 

While seeing the AA

So, in cases like Kyaukphyu, it's like a competition between East and West. Chinese security forces are fighting alongside Naypyidaw troops to defend their economy. Western countries may also help the AA in some way. So, there may be powerful countries behind the Kyaukphyu battle.

Furthermore, as a result of the earthquake damage,despite the ceasefire extension between the two forces, fighting continues on the ground. The AA's offensive in Kyaukpyu, where the Chinese project is located, has intensified, and on May 29, a drone attack was launched on a checkpoint near the Chinese government-owned natural gas power plant (Power China) in Madei Kyun village, Kyaukpyu.

Kyaukphyu battles are approaching the Chinese state-owned natural gas power plant, so Chinese security forces have been reinforced, reported the BBC. While the SAC has lost control of many territories, it imposed the private security service law which allows holding weapons on February 18.

She had heard that troops from the Chinese security company were former Chinese soldiers and they had arrived at Kyaukphyu a lot, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-Myanmar affairs analyst told CNI News.

While seeing the Madei Island Project in Rakhine State

" I've heard that many troops of a Chinese security company have arrived at Kyaukphyu to protect the Kyaukphyu Deepsea Port. Because China is doing business around the world, the security company may be hired. Chinese security companies are made up of former soldiers. In China, if a man has done a military service for two years or five, they can leave the army. When they have become civilians, many of them found security companies. The rich and film actors tend to hire security staff as their bodyguards. The military council has enacted the security service law. There may be Chinese security forces there." she said.

The SAC receives the most foreign income from projects in Kyaukphyu Township, according to a report released by the Arakan Oil Watch (AOW) on April 21.

The AOW estimates that the Shwe natural gas field generates around $550 million annually from natural gas sales and around $25 million in transit fees for oil exported via the pipeline to China.

The report also states that despite military tensions in Rakhine State since November 2023, oil and gas operations are operating normally.

CNI News

6 May June

Those who assassinated Myanmar Ambassador (retd) U Cho Tun Aung as well as those who collaborated in the assassination had been arrested, announced the SAC on June 5, 2025. 
On May 22, 2025, Ambassador (retd) U Cho Htun Aung, a resident of Ward (5), Mayangone Township, Yangon Region, was walking with his grandchild in front of his house while he was shot and killed with guns by two men. 

Then, the bicycle used in the assassination was seized in North Okkalapa Township on May 23 while it was being transported with a three-wheeler by San Htet Aung (b), a Bago Thar.

It was reported that Win Thu (B) Kalalay, who carried out logistics in the assasination had also been arrested in North Okkalapa Township. According to the statements of the arrested persons, U Cho Htun Aung was assassinated by Myo Ko (b), Zin Min Htet (b), Lin Let Zaw and Chit Ko Ko (b) Kyaw Gyi. 

The accused Myo Ko, his wife Pyone Pyone and daughter Lin Let Shwe were arrested on May 25 in the old city of Bagan, Nyaung U Township, while their escort Aung San Hein and their connector Nyi Nyi Hlaing were arrested in Mudon, Mon State, said the SAC. Similarly, the remaining suspects, Chit Ko Ko (b) Kyaw Gyi's wife Myint Myint Htwe, Aung Ko Ko Chit, Zin Maung Maung (b) Arnold, and Phyo Wai Aung (b) Ngai Gyi, who helped them escape, were arrested at the Bago city checkpoint on May 26.

Then, Min Sithu (b) A Ngallay, Kyaw Zin Thant (b) Lwin Gyi (b) Kyaw Zin, and Han Lin Aung, who were all scouts were arrested in Kyimyindaing Township on May 29, said in the statement. 
In addition, the SAC announced that Dr. Ye Lin Soe, the owner of “Lin” Specialist Hospital in Thaketa Township, and DCS doctor Zaw Ko Ko, who treated Myo Ko (b) Sai Ko Ko (b) Zin Min Htut (b) Lin Let Zaw, who suffered a left leg injury during the assassination of U Cho Tun Aung, were arrested on May 26.

Therefore, the SAC announced that 13 men and 3 women, a total of 16 people involved in the assassination of U Cho Tun Aung, were arrested.

Those who were arrested reportedly committed the crime at the behest of Ko Htet, the leader of the Golden Valley Warrior which was formed in Chiang Mai in March 2023.

CNI News

6 June 2025

Myanmar war refugees who have taken refuge in the Indian state of Mizoram were facing a shortage of jobs and difficulties in livelihood, Salai Soe Htun, head of humanitarian assistance department of the Paletwa Council, told CNI News. 

He said that war refugees from Myanmar in Mizoram were struggling to survive because they did not receive support from WFP and the state government's support only arrived occasionally.

"Overall, the food situation is difficult. Support is not regular. When they don't get the WFP's assistance, employment opportunities are rare. Food situation is not good. Employment is not good. There are no regular services provided by large organizations. When they have no income, it is also difficult to access health care. Some of the refugee camps are very far from the town, so transportation is not convenient. Furthermore, there are those who cannot afford to receive medical treatment. Employment is scarcer during the rainy season, so it's very difficult to make ends meet," he said.

While floods in Mizoram are causing hardship for Myanmar war refugees

During this rainy season, heavy rains have reportedly submerged the homes of some Paletwa war refugees in Tweedin and Khaki villages in Laungtalai district of Mizoram state. 

According to Indian government records, there are 33,023 Myanmar refugees living in Mizoram, including 12,661 children. Most of the refugees fleeing fighting on the Myanmar side in Mizoram are Chin people from Chin State, Myanmar, who are related to the Mizo people.

Salai Soe Than said that the state government sometimes imposes restrictions on border security, but that apart from the lack of assistance, everything else is free.

"Sometimes, there are strict security conditions. At that time, refugees can travel with a refugee card. If they don't have one, they can travel with a letter of recommendation from the governor. Not always. Sometimes, there are strict security conditions like that. Except for providing assistance, everything else is considered free. "Usually, in villages, there are fields and gardens. Then, they work as daily wage laborers. They grow crops on the land they are given. For most people, they cannot get land. Sometimes, they have to live on the money that people give them. They don't have regular jobs," he said.

The Chin refugees are mostly from Paletwa and Thantlang, and the Rakhine and Bamar people are also among the refugees. The Chin people have been living in Mizoram since the Myanmar Tatmadaw took power in February 2021, and have recently seen an increase in the number of people fleeing the fighting in Paletwa.

Currently, the number of people fleeing fighting from Paletwa to Mizoram has reached over 4,000, according to the Paletwa Council's Humanitarian Assistance Department.

Recently, the Indian central government issued an order to arrest and deport illegal immigrants from the country through the route they entered.

Announcements have also been made in various states in India to build sufficient detention centers to detain illegal immigrants.

CNI News

6 June 2025

Businesspeople are questioning which businesses will be prioritized for assistance, as the SAC chairman said efforts must be made to restore businesses in earthquake-hit areas of Myanmar.

On March 28, 2025, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Sagaing, near Mandalay, destroying hotels, homes, religious buildings, roads, bridges, and towers, killing more than 3,700 people and injuring more than 5,000.

The earthquake had affected hotels and tourism, insurance companies, and small and medium-sized businesses, Businessman U Aung Pyae Sone told CNI News. 

"The question is whether the government will support small and medium-sized businesses, whether it will support large businesses, or whether it will stop supporting businesses and support the grassroots. We should not talk in general terms now. How will we support households earning less than 10,000 kyats per day by enumerating them? It's necessary to tell exactly. During COVID, there were many actions taken to blacklist and arrest entrepreneurs who could not repay loans issued from the COVID fund. We should learn from these cases. Whenever a natural disaster occurs, self-serving entrepreneurs automatically emerge. On top of that, the government needs to avoid these entrepreneurs and effectively help the necessary businesses,” he said.

While seeing a place inside Bogyoke Market

The SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said on May 30, 2025, that the state has earmarked 700 billion kyats for loans to support businesses and create employment opportunities, and that he wants to provide 226 billion kyats to factories and workshops including oil mills, to boost the economy. 

He said that it was necessary to consider and negotiate at what interest rate.

A government often follows its own policies and does not implement what the public wants, an economic analyst told CNI News.

“Now, in the earthquake-hit areas, Sagaing, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw are being given priority so that they can be up and running before the rainy season. Some hospitals, including the mobile clinic, were badly damaged. We are providing emergency assistance to them. The roads are damaged. They have been repaired. Many earthquake victims have nowhere to live, so some are currently staying in monasteries. Earthquake relief camps have been set up in wards and villages. They put up temporary shelters in parks and built them according to the township and district plans in Mandalay, and they put earthquake victims there. I don't know if the government will pay money to build houses. If their houses are destroyed, how much will it cost per family? I think the state will provide something like that." he said.

While seeing a small business

On March 28, 2025, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar, affecting more than 600,000 people in Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay Region, Sagaing Region, Shan State (South), Magway Region, and Bago Region. 

The earthquake destroyed businesses and homes, and the victims are living in evacuation centers and nearby areas.

CNI News

5 June 2025

 Solutions should be considered and found to restore economic activity and job opportunities in earthquake-hit areas, the National Democratic Force (NDF) Vice Chairman U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News. 

The state has earmarked 700 billion kyats in loans to help businesses operate and create jobs, and will then consider and negotiate at what interest rate it can be paid, said the SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing  on May 30, 2025.

“I want to  lend 226 billion kyats. I want to lend all the factories, including oil mills, to boost the national economy. If we try to boost the economy like this, we must carry out to make prices drop. Frankly speaking, prices are rising. Once a price goes up, it's not easy to bring it down. That's why I told the people who are responsible for the economy and businessmen that they shouldn't raise the price too much.", said the SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

On May 30, 2025, a seminar on post-earthquake economic recovery and rehabilitation was held in Nay Pyi Taw. 

While attracting hotels and tourism

The discussion held in Nay Pyi Taw was jointly organized by the Myanmar Narrative Think Tank and the Union of Myanmar Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), and the discussions that emerged from the seminar would be submitted to the government, National Democratic Forces (NDF) Vice Chairman U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News.

“The state will lend some money to help businesses rebuild. It is really necessary to rebuild big businesses. It is also true that the state government should help. Thanks very much for doing this. But the problem is that everyone who works in business is not able to make a pretty living. Given the current situation in the country, most of the youth are leaving the country. So, there are many problems with labor shortages here in Myanmar. We need to think about what we have considered for the working class," he said.

While seeing railroad workers

On March 28, 2025, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar, affecting more than 600,000 people in Naypyidaw, Mandalay Region, Sagaing Region, Shan State (South), Magway Region, and Bago Region. 

Then, as businesses collapsed and homes were destroyed, earthquake victims were forced to live in the earthquake relief camps and around the places not far from their homes.

As a result, job opportunities are being lost in earthquake-affected areas, small and medium-sized businesses are unable to start, and hotel and tourism businesses have also come to a standstill, making it difficult for locals to afford food.