CNI News

28 October 2024

He believed that India would go on existing as one of the most valuable trade partner for Myanmar, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC.

He said the above at the 60th anniversary celebration of the India's technology and cooperation program on 24th October 2024. 

India has existed as the seventh trade partner of Myanmar and total trade value between the two countries was 1150.181 million dollars until February in the 2023-2024 fiscal year. 

The number of countries and regions which came and invested in Myanmar was 53 and according to the list of investment until January 2024, India's investment stood on the 11th level, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

" I believe that India will go on existing as one of the most valuable trade partner. India's technology and economic cooperation program promoted trust, fraternity, mutual respect and cooperation in the multi sectors between the two countries." he said. 

At present, border trade between Myanmar and India has stopped due to territorial instabilities while the Kaladan River Project also has stopped as well.

However, medicine, medical equipment, pulses and consumer goods are being traded by sea between the two countries

CNI News

28 October 2024

Because some are objecting to what the National Socialist Council of Naga-Khaplang/ Anmai (NSCN-K/AM) will sign the ceasefire with the Myanmar Tatmadaw after discussion, everyone is interested in what is the attitude of the Naga National Party (NNP) towards what the NSCN-K/AM will sign the ceasefire.

The Myanmar Tatmadaw and the NSCN-K/AM discussed on 26th January 2024 and on 5th February 2024 in Khamti about the ceasefire and the security of Naga region.

And then, the two sides discussed in Monywa in the second week of September 2024 and for the fourth time, they discussed in Khamti on 27th September 2024 and agreed to sign the preliminary ceasefire agreement at the Region level. 

However, they have not been able to sign the agreement up to now (25th October 2024) for some reasons. They are making preparation to go on discussing.

While seeing Anmai, leader of the NSCN-K/AM

The National Socialist Council of Naga-Khaplang/Yung Aung (NSCN-K/YA) led by U Yung Aung is objecting to what the NSCN-K/AM will sign the ceasefire and if the NSCN-K/AM signed the ceasefire, it would be designated as a protestor of the national movement, released on 22nd October the NSCN-K/YA.

The NSCN-K/YA expressed its political position kind of and supporting or protesting might be their normal response, chairman of the Naga National Party, U Shu Maung told CNI News.

" The NSCN-/YA has expressed its political position kind of and it's their normal response. It might emerge clashes. But it won't produce a worrisome situation. If one of the worst situation appeared, they would want to tell that is their political position." he said.

While seeing the NSCN-K/YA

Whether the NSCN-K/AM would sign the ceasefire or not, the NSCN-K/YA would not allow any performance that would hurt their region for the sake of anyone who wanted to corrupt, announced the NSCN-K/YA. Battles often take place between the NSCN_K/AM and the NSCN-K/YA.

If armed groups started walking on the political path, the government should welcome it, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), Dr. Aye Maung told CNI News.

" If armed groups start walking on the path of peace, they should be welcome by the governments because the political problem can be solved by means of political dialogue. There are a lot of armed groups walking on the political path. There were about 10 NCA signatories. But some of them resigned from the NCA. It's not good. Having persuaded the NCA signatories, the government should carry out to win a political improvement. If there are seven NCA signatories, the three NCA signatories that have resigned will have to be persuaded. Moreover, if new armed groups want to sign the NCA, they should be welcome. the National Solidarity and Peacekeeping Negotiation Committee should welcome the Naga group." he said.

While seeing the ENNO/ENDA

The NSCN-K/AM is negotiating with the Myanmar Tatmadaw to sign a Region level ceasefire and later it would consider whether it should go to the Union level. 

Naga armed groups are the NSCN-K/YA, the NSCN-K/AM, the ENNO/ENDA and the NPDF at present. 

The NSCN-K/N and the NSCN-K/KH made peace with the Indian government and are living on the Indian side.

U Aung Sai who was dismissed from the NSCN-K form the East Naga Defense Army (ENNO/ENDA) with the military help from the KIA and it is fighting with the KIA in the Spring Revolution.

CNI Article 

The Writing- Chit Min Tun

28 October 2024 

India gained its independence in 1947 from under the British colonial rule on 15th August 1947 and kept staying as a dominion country for three years. 

And then, India became a separate independent country on 26th January 1950 after the constitution that was drafted for two years was finished. 

Myanmar gained its independence on 4th January 1948 from under the British colonial rule as well.

So, India and Myanmar historically have similarities in some parts and a variety of races are living in both countries. For example, Meitei, Naga, Shan, Chin and so on are living in both countries and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoran and Aruna Chaparadesh States (There were Assam and Manipur States only in the past) had been under the rule of Myanmar kings. But now they are part of India.

In the same way, as most of the laws enacted in Myanmar derived from India, India and Myanmar have historically similarities in some parts.

So, some elements are trying to solve ethnic issues and reform Myanmar politics while even heads of the Myanmar Tatmadaw have said that having studied the India's federalism, a federal union should be established in Myanmar.

According to above-mentioned conditions, because it was necessary to study the constitution of India and its political systems, I'd like to share subjects and experience I had to study when I was in India. I went to India in May, 2018 and spent over one week there studying the India's political situations and rights for ethnic groups.

Staying in New Daily and Inpha and Moreh Towns, Manipur State where Meitei, Assam and Naga armed groups have been active, I could study the constitution and rights for ethnic groups.

While seeing Meitei kings and commanders in chief in the museum

India's multi-culturalism
*************************
India is made up of seven union territories, 28 States and over 200 ethnicities. In the same way, there are a variety of religions and languages that are spoken in India as well.

Hindi and English have been enacted as office languages. However, in the states that have been made up of national characters, in addition to Hindi and English, languages of the tribes living in the states are allowed to use as official languages.

For example, in Nagaland State, Hindi, English and Naga have been designated as office languages and in Manipur State, Hindi, English and Meitei, as office languages. 

So, 14 languages including main languages, Hindi and English have been enacted as office languages.

National races have been allowed to keep and look after their flagship buildings, icons and lifeless things of national races. 

Meitei people have been allowed to keep and look after the old palace of HIJAGANG, a Meitei king and the historical military museum honoring  PRONA BRAJABASI, a Meitei C in C.

However, discrimination between lower caste and higher caste cannot be removed up to now while the unity between Hindi and Islam still cannot be built.

While seeing Meitei, English and Hindi languages written on the Martyr Mausoleum in Manipur State

Multi-culturalism of Myanmar
********************************
Myanmar is a country where a variety of races are living, which is enacted in Section 3, principles of the State of Chapter-1 of the 2008 Constitution. 

According to Section-21 of the 2008 Constitution, every citizen can enjoy equal right, freedom and justice opportunities.

Moreover, according to Section-22 (a) of the constitution, the State will help develop languages, literature, arts and culture of the national races and according to Section-22 (b), the State will help develop the unity, fraternity and help among the national races.

Diversities of background histories, traditional cultures, literatures, languages and national characters of the national races living in Myanmar are accepted and recognized and implementing a union character together is agreed, according to the Chapter (1), Clause-1 (f) of the Nationwide Ceasefire agreement (NCA) that was signed by the government, the Tatmadaw and EAOs.

However, in the 21st Century Panglong Conference that was held from 19th to 21st August 2020, although chairman of the RCSS/SSA and the leader of the 10 NCA signatories, a Shan ethnic, wanted to deliver a speech with his mother tongue, he had to speak in Burmese because the government didn't allow him to do so.

So, the above-mentioned incident was different from provisions described in the 2008 constitution and from the agreements described in the NCA.

How India carries out security operation
**********************************************
India is facing secession movements of Meitei, Naga, Assam and Bodolan armed groups in the seven northeastern States including Nagaland, Manipur, Aruna Chaparadesh and Mizoran States. 

In the same way, it is facing secession attempts of Sikh and Muslims in Kashmir and Punjab States. India is carrying out security operations for its stability with the Assam Rifle Force, the Special Force, the Police Force, the Special Police Force and the Border Guard Force.

The Assam Rifle Force, Special Force, the Police Force and the Special Police Force are carrying out security operation in Inpha Town, Manipur State around the clock. 

On the other hand, the Indian government is discussing peace with armed groups and especially with the National Socialist Council of Naga led by Isak Chishi Swu and Muivah. Moreover, bank security staffs have been allowed to hold guns so as not to enable banks to be robbed.

Moreover, ethnic people who are the same ethnicity as ethnic armed groups fighting against the central government have been appointed as senior government staffs in order to  maintain stability and those who are the same ethnicity as ethnic armed groups are appointed as chief minister of state to maintain one another.

While seeing the entrance to the historical museum of a Meitei Commander in Chief

How has India controlled armed forces?
******************************************
In the constitution of India, commander in chief of the armed forces is the President. However, army, navy, air force and coastal guard forces are managed by the ministry of defense. 

Moreover, police force, reserve army forces, central armed police force and some special forces are controlled by the ministry of home affairs while some special forces are kept under the intelligence unit of the ministry of foreign affairs.

The Central Armed Police Forces that is made up of the Bureau of Special Force (BSF), the Central Industrial Force (CIF), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the India-Tibet Border Police (ITBP), the National Security Guard Force (NSG), the Border Special Bureau, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and so on is kept under the ministry of home affairs.

The book on constitution and enacted laws relating to armed forces of five federal countries written by Dr. Salai Ngwe Kyown Lian should be read to know in detail.

How are armed forces controlled in Myanmar
*************************************************
According to Section-20 (b) of the 2008 Constitution of Myanmar, the Tatmadaw has the right to independently manage all the matters relating to armed forces. 

The Commander in Chief is the head of all the armed forces in the constitution. In the same way, according to the 2008 constitution, the C in C has the authority to appoint the defense minister, the minister for home affairs and the minister for security and border affairs. 

EAOs fighting against the Myanmar Tatmadaw because they dislike the constitution and the ruling system are not under the command of the Tatmadaw. 

However, some troops from EAOs that changed into the border guard forces and the militia after making peace with the Tatmadaw are under the command of the Tatmadaw.

In the same way, self-organized militia are under the command of the C in C of the armed forces.

While security forces have been deployed in Inpha Town, Manipur State

According to the constitution of India, division of legislative power
*********************************************************************
According to the constitution of India, there are laws related to the central government and ones related to states while there are issues which the central government and states must cooperate. 

The constitution of India took nearly two years to finish writing after studying advantages and disadvantages in the provisions of the constitutions from Australia, Britain and the US.

According to the constitution, division of legislative power is divided into three kinds and there are 97 cases which the union can enact the laws and carry out, and 66 cases, states and 47 cases, the union and the states together.

Matters relating to army, navy and air force, atomic power, declaring war, citizenship, railway transport, post and telegram, foreign relation, banking industry, financial system, foreign trade, performance of public industry and so on, important issues are included in the 97 cases in relation to the union.

Laws and order restoration of the state, regional government, police, prison and moral reformation camps, public health, education, agriculture, water supply, fishery industry, commerce within the state, agricultural tax and so on are included in the 66 cases which states can enact and carry out.

Procedures relating to penal code, marriage and divorce, handing materials over, bonds, bankruptcy, procedures on trial to be complied, matters relating to forestry, religious associations, cases relating to press are included in the 47 cases which the union and states have to enact the laws and carry out together.

If there are any problems about the division of legislative power between the union and states, the law which the union parliament enacts can make a decision and because legislature of states is void, the laws the union enacts supersede on the laws states enact  

By studying the above-mentioned facts and information, you can consider which provisions from the constitution of India should be taken in building a federal union in Myanmar in the future, I think.

Reference

-Federal Affairs (book)

Constitutions and Provisions relating to armed forces of five federal countries (book)

Interview - discussing with Indian citizen professor Mr. Horam

CNI News

28 October 2024

Exporting goods through the Myla-Tarlog Gate, eastern Shan State to Myanmar including foodstuff, electric products, construction materials and consumer goods has been banned by China. 

Exporting and importing through the gate have been banned by China since 21st October. 

However, importing was re-allowed on 24th October and importing still has been banned. 

Myanmar trucks that arrived in China were allowed to re-enter Myanmar empty-handed, Ko Aung Zin Naing, a truck driver, told CNI News.

While seeing the Tarlog Border Trade Gate

" Both importing and exporting have been banned on 21st October. But on 23rd October, Myanmar trucks, carrying cotton, rice, onion and so on were allowed to enter China. Up to now, Myanmar trucks with goods haven't been allowed to leave China, but empty Myanmar trucks are allowed." he said.

Because border trades have been suspended at the 105 Mile Trade Zone, Man Wein Gate, Chin Shwe Haw Gate and so on in northern Shan State, Myla border trade only is mainly dependable for the border trade. 

However, accepting only imports and not allowing exports might be political; moreover, income of EAOs in the border areas could be hurt, pointed out political analysts.

While the NDAA that has controlled Myla was hoisting its flag

Because the EAOs were mainly depending on the commodities imported from the border trade with China, that China has limited imports might conduct to cease armed conflict, director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategy Studies, U Thein Tun Oo told CNI News.

" Foodstuff, medical products and consumer goods imported through border trade firstly arrive in border areas after which the goods come to the mainland. Because Myanmar armed groups near the border on the Myanmar side are taking part in armed conflicts, banning like seems to make armed groups in the border cease armed conflicts." he said.

The Myla-Tarlog border trade gate is being used to import electric and electronic products, medical products, consumer goods, construction materials and foodstuffs from China and export agricultural products from Myanmar.

CNI News

26 October 2024

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council will go to China in November to come and his trip might be to ask China to help Myanmar from all aspects, said economic commentators.

In negotiating and discussing in order to receive assistants from China, in exchange for that, China might demand some things from Myanmar, they pointed out.

China might demand Myanmar its One Belt One Road Project to implement and if the project was implemented, advantages and disadvantages could emerge depending on handling it, an economic commentator told CNI News.

During Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing's trip to China in 2019, while he was meeting with Chinese President Xi Jingping

" Now, at any rate, Bangladesh can't support China. So, to have an exit to the Indian Ocean for China, there is no other country except for Myanmar. So, China will demand it, I think. The project has both advantages and disadvantages. How much advantages will our leaders be able to take?. How many opportunities can be opened for our citizens? If the road is opened, it will be very convenient for transportation. If there are stabilities and we can do business in our country, the project will be beneficial to our people. We will be able to collect tax from those who use the road. But, Sri Lanka built a port, borrowing money from China. But Sri Lanka was not able to pay the debt. After all, the port had to be handed over to China for 90 years. So, we can also face the situation Sri Lanka did. It depends a lot on the qualification of the leader of the country." he said.

The SAC chairman's trip to China might be for the borrowing money from China in addition to the military and political cases, said economic commentators.

Because there are a lot of Chinese interests in Myanmar, China has obviously supported the SAC; based on profits, China might lend Myanmar, Ko Zaw Min Naing, an economic advisor, told CNI News.

While the One Belt One Road track is being seen

" It's an open secret. there are Chinese gas pipeline and Silk Road projects in Myanmar. As a matter of fact, as there are a lot of profits of China in Myanmar, China is supporting the SAC almost openly. What Myanmar will make it up for, there is Silk Road China is trying to implement. And there are gas pipeline and the route  that will go to ocean through Kyauk Phyu Deep Sea Port. Next, there will railways or roads coming from Kunming, Yunnan. Depending these projects, China can give incentives to Myanmar, offering how much billion dollars it will lend." he said.

It was not deniable that China has influence on Myanmar to an extent, pointed out economic and political analysts.

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC went to Russia three times and in 2022, he met with Russian President Putin. 

So, the SAC chairman's trip to China will be his second one to a powerful country and it was reportedly arranged since Chinese FM Wang Yi came to Myanmar in August.

CNI News

26 October 2024

Because roads and waterways have been closed down since the end of 2023 in Rakhine State, there is no market for the paddy produced in Rakhine State, said farmers and traders to CNI News. 

Not only is there a lot of rainfed paddy grown last year left, a lot of rainfed paddy grown this year could be left as well because it woll be harvested soon.

In the past, the paddy produced in Rakhine State is consumed in Rakhine State. Moreover, the Rakhine paddy is often exported to other regions and states. Besides, rice produced in Rakhine State was exported to Bangladesh. 

However, now there is no market where Rakhine paddy and rice can be exported, secretary of the Mrauk U Township Danyawady Farmers Federation, U Maung Thein Hla told CNI News.

While farmers were growing paddy

" The route going to the mainland has been closed down for a long time. Because there is no flow of goods, the goods here in Rakhine can't go to anywhere. Next, as people can't go to Sittwe and Kyauk Phyu, the people in these towns have to be eating the rice coming from Pathein. So, there are a lot of paddy grown in Mrauk U and Kyauktaw. The paddy is more than local consumption. Moreover, the paddy that has been grown currently will appear soon." he said.

Farmers in Rakhine State are facing difficulties because they can't sell their paddy and they are finding it difficult to go on growing paddy. 

In the past Rakhine farmers were able to sell their paddy at 16 to 30 lakh kyats per 100 baskets each year, but now they can sell their paddy at over 10 lakh kyats per 100 baskets. 

However, There were almost no buyers currently, added U Maung Thein Hla.

While a farmer is ploughing with a tractor (photo-Shine Bu Shay)

" At a time like this, paddy has been scarce and bags of rice could be exported to the mainland. But there is no buyer now. The price is almost giveaway. The price of Aemahta is about 10 lakh kyats per 100 baskets and Pawsan, 13 lakh kyats." he said.

Rainfed paddy is grown most in Kyauktaw and Mrauk U, Rakhine State and its cultivated area was over 10 lakh acres last year, but this year just over 6 lakh acres. 

However, it is difficult to sell the paddy that had been grown. 

So, most of Rakhine farmers are hoping to sell their paddy to the mainland and foreign countries.

CNI News

26 October 2024

Military and political analysts are pondering and discussing how the union based on federal and democracy will be built. 

It was necessary to understand the essence of federal democracy or democracy federal or federal and democracy, director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategy Studies, U Thein Tun Oo told CNI News.

" Frankly speaking, no matter what federal democracy or democracy federal is based, we need to understand thoroughly the essence of federal or democracy. The problem is that rather than federal is followed by democracy or democracy is followed by federal, we need to use the essence of federal or democracy. It should be focused on, I think." he said.

It was necessary to make young people who are typical politicians and understand policies partly take part in politics, he added. "  A real politician is really interested in politics and studies it. Young people who thoroughly understand theories and policies should participate proportionally. If so, we will reach on the convenient and smooth track because young people will serve the State responsibilities in future." he said.

While seeing a variety of ethnicities

If a democracy was wanted to be built, the solution must be found through election, Hluttaw and political dialogue and if the solution was found by armed means, internal conflicts would never end, pointed out political commentators. 

Four political agreements were reached to go from state strengthening policy to the union strengthening policy in order to build a federal democratic union, announced the 9 revolutionary organizations including the KNU, the KNPP and the CNF on 19th September.

It was necessary to win the battle against the Myanmar Tatmadaw so that political and economic powers controlled by the military dictatorship could be removed and equal rights could be enjoyed, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-Myanmar affairs commentator, told CNI News.

" Personally, we need to win the battle against the Myanmar Tatmadaw. Only after the military dictatorship is root out, we, revolutionary organizations, can negotiate among us. After Operation-1027 was successful, the MNDAA is establishing administration in the Kokang region where everyone has been granted right to work. Everyone is demanding democracy and federal because they can't enjoy equal rights or they are poor. If we finish removing the military council, we can make a living very well. And then, equal rights will follow gradually." he said.

While seeing NCA signatories

EAOs and non-Bamar ethnic elements are interested in building a federal democratic union and the Myanmar Tatmadaw, the NLD and the USDP are interested in a democratic federal union.

However, the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) has imposed to build a union that is based on democracy and federal in accordance with the results produced from political dialogues.

In a union that was based on democracy and federal, according to the constitution, regions and states could win self-determination, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC in his letter sent to the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the Kachin State Day on 10th January 2023.

CNI News

25 October 2024

As Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council, is to go to China in November this year, what kinds of changes in military and economy of Myanmar could arise after his trip, which is being discussed by military and political analysts. 

The trip reportedly had been planned since August when the Chinese FM Wang Yi came to Myanmar.

The SAC chairman's trip could bring opportunities for Myanmar and Myanmar could be stronger in military because there are bilateral interests which the two countries have to work together, director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategic Studies, U Thein Tun Oo told CNI News.

While seeing President (retired) U Thein Sein and Chinese President Xi Jingping

" It's an official trip for a lot of interests the two countries have to work together. So, the trip can bring opportunities for Myanmar. Frankly speaking, in building an army to be stronger, regional and international relations support it. But our performance is mainly important. Depending on our performance, our military can be stronger. How can Myanmar make the most of better military strength? It's an important point." he said.

China-Myanmar border trades that have been closed down due to Myanmar domestic armed conflicts could be discussed during the trip of the SAC chairman, said political commentators. 

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing's trip to China will be the first time after 1st February 2021 when the political changes started.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and Russian President Putin

President U Thein Sein (retired) and Vice Sr-Gen Soe Win, vice chairman of the SAC went to China in June and July 2024. There would be no military changes distinctly but only economic changes, U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" There could be no military changes so distinctly, but only economic changes. The SAC seems to borrow three billion dollars from China. If the SAC can borrow it, the military council can stand a chance of having an opportunity to prop up the economy that has been collapsing. Its image can become good as well. It doesn't stand a chance of linking militarily so much. But the military probably will prevent the elements that it has controlled from taking part in the war as well as limit the flow of weapons. So, there will be some reasons that can change military and economy a little." he said.

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing visited Russia three times and during his trip in 2022, he met with Russian President, Putin.

CNI News

25 October 2024

The national economy has looked up because production industries based on agriculture and livestock were encouraged, said chairman of the State Administration Council at the meeting of the Union Government held on 21st October. 

The national economy has decreased and agricultural businesses cannot be done in some regions due to abnormal climate and political instabilities while any products could not increasingly produced, pointed out economic commentators.

Although it was not clear that the SAC chairman told that based on what facts, the facts that he received were incorrect, economic commentators told CNI News.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

" May be he said the kind of form he wants. Some previous leaders also said so. Doesn't he want the truth? His sub-ordinates might present a piece of news like this because they want to butter him up. In fact he has several experts. But they don't seem to dare to submit the truth to him. Many mistakes were included in his speeches. He wrongly told about the GDP growth rate. He's not skilled in them. He shouldn't tell some things." he said.

Myanmar is mainly exporting rice only rather than other products and most border gates have been suspended because border areas are not stable. So, the fact that the economy was looking up was unlikely, they pointed out.

It was necessary to study the technologies of other countries that were carrying out agriculture and livestock successfully, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing at the meeting of the Union Government.

While Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing was observing products

It was impossible for farmers to study the technologies without the help of the government, Ko Zaw Min Naing, an agricultural and economic advisor, told CNI News. 

" Before the current conflicts which started in 2021 took place, there were lots of cooperation with other countries in the agricultural sector. Myanmar students were sent abroad to attend the agricultural courses. Especially, they were sent to five countries related to Mekhong River. When the current conflicts started, international left Myanmar trainees behind. It's necessary to make the political situation stable so that Myanmar trainees can be sent abroad." he said.

The World Bank has released that Myanmar growth rate would be only one percent until March 2025. However, chairman of the SAC said in July that the SAC was carrying out to become until 3.8 percent of Myanmar GDP growth rate in 2024-2025.