CNI Interview
5 August 2025

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is carrying out military expansion in the regions where Shanni nationalities live and the territories where the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) is active, so battles are breaking out between the KIA and the SNA.

Then, the SNA has seized control of the Indawgyi region after penetrating the region and news mentioning that the SNA is tightening Kachin people there have come out.

So, every one is worried that problems between the two ethnicities will emerge in Sagaing Region and Kachin State.

CNI News interviewed Col. Say Wang Hpa, member of the SNA's Central Comittee and Associate Secretary, regarding the above-mentioned situations.

Q: The Indawhgyi region was dominated by the KIA in the past, but later the SNA penetrated into the region and has been able to control many territories there. Why does the SNA need to control the region? How important is it to the SNA?

A: Indawgyi is a territory of the local Shanni people since time long past. Towns and villages that have existed through the history have been named in Shanni. It is the proof that Indawgyi is a territory of Shanni people.

Towns and villages were founded by Shanni people and there are notable chronicles. It is Shanni region that is full with tales and legends. During the period that the KIA captured Indawgyi where most Shanni people live, they were bullied and suppressed.

So, the SNA urgently needs to protect Shanni people there. We will fight against anyone who invades the region.

While seeing a Shanni comrade and the public

Q: Now that the SNA has entered the Indawgyi region, Kachin people are fleeing, and Kachin houses are being sealed off by the SNA, most Kachin news outlets have reported. How did this happen?

A: The Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) is an organization operating under the policies and leadership of the Shanni Nationalities Unity Council (SNUC).

We have five major policies, one of which is the all-round development and peaceful coexistence of the people in Upper Myanmar. We condemn any acts that can hurt any group or an ethnic person within Myanmar.

The SNA organization only seeks peace and prosperity for the people of the region. Our ethnic character does not have the habit of ‌aggressive and bully. The Kachin are our friends. We call them (Thein Phaw).

Some issues are misunderstood because some media support those who want to politically exploit. The Kachin and Shan people have been close friends in the region for many years. If you research the actions of the KIA from 1961 to the present, you will find various atrocities that the KIA committed against the Shanni people, with its desire to exterminate Shanni people.

I would like to ask them if they are demanding that the KIA's inhumane atrocities against the Shanni people for years be documented and explained. The KIA made Shanni people from various towns and villages shed tears which have not dried up so far.

So, which media outlets should we rely on to alleviate the anger and fear that every Shanni family feels because of the KIA? In fact, we should all know that the very lovely friendship traditions within Shanni region have been shattered since the emergence of the KIA.

When the SNA has seized control of the Indawgyi region

We, the SNA, explain unjust suppression. We have warned those who encourage and support injustice. We have no wish to hurt any ethnic group or anyone. The SNA is a Shanni armed group. It's  necessary to see it differently from other armed groups. It's necessary to identify the SNA. It's not regionally based militia.

It's not the Myanmar Tatmadaw. Media outlets should identify the SNA so that they can report what are really happening. The report by someone who doesn't want our organization is difficult to be a true source. So, some information needs to be realized what the true incidents on the ground are.

Q: On the other hand, the KIA is working with the PDF to seize and control SNA-controlled areas such as Homalin, Shwe Pyi Aye, Banmauk and Pinlebu in Sagaing Region. Now the KIA has already controlled Pinlebu and Shwe Pyi Aye.

They are attacking to the rest tow towns. How important are these regions militarily and economically? And how important they are to the SNA that is making an attempt to liberate Shanni people and Shan tribes?

A: Before we talk about the local socio-economics, let me talk a little about our SNA. The SNA was formed to regain the original rights that were lost just like other ethnic groups within the Union. We are displeased with that local people including Shanni people are being bullied with weapons.

So, we are trying to stabilize the regions where most Shanni people live. The KIA and its allies are attacking and capturing these regions. Pinlebu and Shwe Pyi Aye are strategic locations in the region for them. By controlling the free flow of goods up and down the Chindwin River from Shwe Pyi Aye, they can not only maintain their influence but also control the local economy as they wish.

While seeing the KIA-PDF joint force

Pinlebu is an important location for them in attacking and capturing large parts of Sagaing Region, allowing them for easy movement from Kachin State through Chin State and  Rakhine State to the sea outlet.

They are committing unjust invasions in order that they can traffick weapons and narcotic drugs from Pinlebu, Banmauk and Indaw to the routes going to Kachin State as well as from Pinlebu through Khanpat and Tamu to the routes going to the Indian border.

These actions directly affect the social lives of our Shanni people in the region. They find it difficult on the way when they transport their goods. They inordinately ask traders on the riverine route or on land. When they are not pleased, water vehicles are banned for months or seized. These actions hurt local people so much. We are trying to normalize these situations.

Q: If the KIA can control Sagaing Region, it will have the exit to the Indian border and it will build the Kachin-Sagaing-Chin-Rakhine Northwest region, and rely on the Rakhine Sea outlet.

Then, there are speculations that the KIA and its allies could hinder the ethnic liberation movement of the SNA and the Shanni ethnic groups. What do you think about these assumptions.

A: This is the assumption they hope to catty out. In reality, it is not that simple. And their strategic plan seems to be heading towards a certain destructive scenario. Here, I would like you to ask me, reforming the phrase: the ethnic liberation movement of the Shanni ethnic groups. We are those who want to achieve the equal and original rights of the ethnic groups in the Union of Myanmar.

If we can't protect our region from bad situations in time, the national cause of Myanmar and geopolitics could change. On the other hand, as there are attempts for the separate liberation, non-disintegration of the union could face the situation where it couldn't be brighter. It is the union affairs that should be focused more rather than the Shanni affairs.

Q: There are accusations that the SNA is collaborating with the Myanmar Tatmadaw in the current Spring Revolution. So, why the battles between the KIA-PDF joint forces  waging Spring Revolution and the SNA are taking place?

A: I don't want to make any comments on the Spring Revolution. Our Shanni people want to live peacefully and take pleasure in farming workplace. But when we face injustice, suppression and atrocities, we had to maintain weapons to revolutionize them.

Here, who are damaging our people and region and who are supporting to do so? These things impact on the situation we'll have to stand. The organizations that encourage and support our hope and expectations is in harmony with us.

Although we were able to understand everything regarding the Myanmar independence history, there is few who can understand the situation where Shanni people are suffering various troubles. We will fight against those who are treating us cruel. In fact, we don't to fight against any armed groups except for the armed groups that unjustly capture our region and suppress our people.

While seeing Shanni youths on the Shanni Nationalities Day

Q: What is the SNA's stance on the current political crisis in Myanmar, the Spring Revolution movement and the Myanmar Tatmadaw's attempt to change the political situation by holding elections?

A: There are currently unrests in many parts of the country. But the Myanmar Tatmadaw hasn't been able to stabilize at all. It's the situation where the country will be reconstructed.

Although elections are not perfect to remedy the situation where there are various regions ruled by various armed group leaders, the Myanmar Tatmadaw is taking responsibility for the ladder to come into the house, I think. A movement has started already, I think.

Q: Almost every ethnic group in Myanmar is struggling in various ways to achieve ethnic liberation, self-governance, and self-determination. The SNA is also working to achieve ethnic equality for the Shanni and Shan ethnic groups. Therefore, it is often said that the foundation of these processes needs public support. However, some Shanni people have questioned the actions of the SNA. Why?

A: The Shan Red National Army (SNA) has 90 moral principles that every soldier must abide by. These include how to treat the public. They are taught to strictly follow these principles in the basic military training courses and are being put into practice. We are practicing the principle that the public is our “parents.” When building national processes, public support is important.

Therefore, we try to carefully avoid doing things that can make the public misunderstand. However, some people who have been mentally dyed find it difficult to positively see what the SNA is doing.

While the SNA was shouting slogan that Shanni territory must be protected

We need to give it some time. At this time, some of our troops may have "unfriendly" relationships. We would like the people to understand this generously with a desire for national development.

If there were any such issues, I would like to apologize to those concerned. Public encouragement and support are a source of strength for our organization. There is no friction between the SNA and the people, and we oppose and condemn any actions that tarnish or destroy unity.

Q: Finally, I would like to ask. I have heard that the SNA is using weapons to bully the people within the areas they have controlled. So I don't want to say whether
 those statements are true or not, but I think it is necessary to prevent such bullies. What can you say about this situation?

A: Although the majority of people living in our region are Shani people, there are also many other ethnic groups. Although it is an SNA-controlled area, it cannot be said that everyone in the region loves the SNA.

While the Shanni Nationalities Day was being held

Just as they find fault with the work of an organization they dislike no matter how well it is doing, they are reluctant to admit the faults of an organization they like even when the work of the  organization is flawed, and they sometimes cover up some things. Therefore, we must be very careful about the development of our organization. Without real public support, we cannot stand on our own.

We have been here for over 36 years because of the support of the Shanni people. That is why we have never used weapons to oppress the people. We do not do this now. We will never do this in the future. I would like to reiterate that the SNA organization has never been a burden on the people, nor has it been an organization that has rudely bullied the people.

We have established the Civilian-Military Relations and Coordination Committee (CMRCC) to take effective action as soon as possible in the event of unresolved situations. We are trying to portray our organization as a more friendly family among the local people. We believe that with such united strength, we will be able to shape the future of the Shani people.

CNI News

4 August 2025

Military and political observers are variously considering the meaning of the speech of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, who said that he would start the second page after facing and overcoming the first page. 

He said the above at the honorary meeting ceremony of the SAC on 30 July, 2025. 

That the second page of the Myanmar Tatmadaw would be started was likely to implement the four processes issued on July 31, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), told CNI News.

“In the first phase, the military implemented five processes to maintain stability in this country. The people are facing many difficulties. But yesterday, the Tatmadaw said it would start the second page to carry out the four processes after saying that it had succeeded its previous five processes. It is a bit similar to the change from the State Law and Order Restoration Council to the State Peace and Development Council. And they handled the drafting of the constitution, the ratification of the constitution, and the election issues. I see the second part of the SAC focusing on the election. It has set four processes, and it will implement these four processes," he said.

While seeing the statement that has mentioned the four objectives of the NDSC

The NDSC  set four objects and they are (1) is to continuously work toward the emergence of political forces and people’s representatives who prioritize the national interest and can implement a genuine, disciplined multi-party democracy system, (2) is the sustained development of the agricultural sector which is the main and fundamental foundation of the country’s economic development, and to continuously improve the socio-economic life of the people, (3) is to prioritize the promotion of the national education and health sectors for the continuous development of the country, (4)  is to successfully carry out multi-party democratic general election processes and effectively implement the multi-party democracy system that the entire people aspire to, with the participation of the people.

The second page of the Myanmar military must be considered the scope of its powers, anticipating the period of election, Dr. Aye Maung, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News.

While seeing the law that protects elections

"It is possible that the second page can be expected to last until the post-election period. The Tatmadaw possibly has estimated this period to be about 8 months, but it probably predicts it until the post-election government. The second page must be considered from within its scope of power. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is also serving as the Acting President in the NDSC. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing who has also grabbed the position of Commander in Chief of the Defense Services is responsible for holding elections. In the second page, his authority hasn't stopped yet. He will have to hold elections. Hluttaw will emerge after elections. A government will emerge. According to the 2008 Constitution, the Tatmadaw representatives have taken 25 percent of the Hluttaw. He will have to do that." he said.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has said that elections will be held in Myanmar in December 2025 and January 2026, and that state power will be transferred to the political party that wins the elections. 

Then, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing promulgated the Law on Protection from Disruption, Obstruction and Sabotage of Multi-Party Democratic General Elections on July 29, 2025.

The law stipulates that anyone who commits any crime, such as disrupting, destroying, or causing death, can be sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison, or even the death penalty.

CNI News

4 August 2025

It was the Eastern Naga National Organization/ the Eastern National Defense Army (ENNO/ENDA) that was recruiting in Shin Bwe Yan Township, It announced on August 1, 2025. 

Although shin Bwe Yan region is included in Tanai Township, it has been designated as their territory by Naga armed groups because Naga people live there.

“The recruitment of new soldiers in Shin Bwe Yang Township is being carried out by our ENNO/ENDA organization. We would like to urge  the Eastern Naga people to participate in the Eastern Naga national liberation process of our ENNO/ENDA organization,” said in the statement released by the ENNO/ENDA. 

While seeing the statement released by the ENNO/ENDA

Locals say that the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and ENNO/ENDA are recruiting Naga youths living in the Shin Bwe Yang Township and the youths passing through the township, and are even arresting them at their homes.

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has deployed in Shin Bwe Yang Town and is arresting Naga youths to recruit under the title of the ENDA, reported Naga Voice that is reporting about the incidents in Naga region on July 31, 2025. 

In response to the report, it was their organization that was recruiting, said the ENNO/ENDA.

" Naga youths are being recruited door to door. the ENNO recruits and so does the KIA. Sometimes, they recruit together. Naga youths have been victims of war. There are not many Naga youths left for cultivation on the mountain." said a Shin Bwe Yang local. 

While seeing Shin Bwe Yang region

The ENNO/ENDA was founded with the KIA's support of weapon and ammunition on November 4, 2021 and its headquarters is located in Laiza.

The ENNO was founded by U Aung Seng, who served as a lieutenant colonel in the NSCN-K and who was dismissed by the NSCN-K, and the NLD members of the Hluttaw in Naga region. 
But later most of the NLD members of the Hluttaw don't participate in the ENNO, said those close to the group.

ENNO/ENDA is currently operating in Kachin State and Sagaing Region, and in collaboration with the KIA-PDF, the ENNO/ENDA is fighting against the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

CNI News

2 August 2025

Both the State Peace and Security Commission and China seem to focus on discussion with the northern armed groups, said Colonel Khun Okkar, chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), which signed the NCA, to CNI News.

The State Security and Peace Commission is a newly formed body on July 31, 2025, to ensure national defense, security, and peace, and to facilitate the holding of a multi-party democratic general election during the period when the National Defense and Security Council exercises three branches of power.

Similarly, the Union Government has also been reshuffled, and both the commission and the government include Lieutenant General Yar Pyae, who is the chairman of the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC). Therefore, Lt-Gen Yar Pyae is considered to have the power to handle the peace process on behalf of the commission and the government, Colonel Khun Okkar told CNI News.

While the meeting of the NDSC was being held on July 31, 2025

“I think China will intervene boldly.  AS the current commission seems to focused on discussing with the northern Shan groups, and the commission will handle the peace, security, military, and negotiation issues kind of. But the NSPNC has not been dissolved yet. And Lt-Gen Yar Pyae has involved in both the commission and the government. He will have the power to handle the peace process on behalf of both the commission and the government, I think." he said.

Currently, China  has planned to hold tripartite talks with a delegation from the Myanmar Tatmadaw and a delegation from the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) this month (August). The tripartite meeting is reportedly scheduled to take place on August 20.

Currently, the wording of the newly formed commission newly formed by the NDSC, the commission could prioritize the peace process as well as the military solution, PNLO-NCA/S Chairman Colonel Khun Okkar told CNI News.

The TNLA troops

“Just as the commission encourages dialogue and peace on one side, on the other, it can use force where it can and fight. So, as the name of the commission is the State Security and Peace Commission, peace refers to peace process and security refers to war kind of." he said.

Currently, the NDSC has announced that the transfer of state power to the Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services after declaring a state of emergency has been revoked on July 31, 2025. 

The NDSC also announced that the state of emergency declared across Myanmar has been lifted. Then, the Union Government and the State Security and Peace Commission were formed and a state of emergency was declared in 63 townships.

CNI News
1 August 2025

The Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) and the Department of Health collaboratively provided vaccination to mothers and children under 10 in Banmauk Township, Sagaing Region on August 1, 2025.

The vaccines given are against diseases such as hepatitis B, polio, measles-rubella, Japanese encephalitis, meningitis, poliomyelitis, severe diarrhea, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and severe pneumonia.

SNA and the Department of Health collaborated to provide malaria and influenza vaccinations to residents of Banmauk Township from July 1 to 3, 2025.

 While the SNA and the Department of Health were jointly providing vaccinations in Banmauk Town on August 1, 2025

The SNA's Brigade 614 is maintaining peace and stability in Banmauk Township.

Additionally, the SNA and the Department of Health collaboratively provided free eye care to patients in the 100-bed Homalin Public Hospital in Sagaing Region from July 26 to July 31, 2025.

The SNA is operating in the areas of Banmauk, Homalin, Tamu, Phaungbyin, Htaman Thi, Se Zin in Sagaing Region, along the India-Myanmar border, and in the areas of Hpakant, Mohnyin, Mogaung, and Indawgyi in Kachin State.

Then, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People's Defense Forces (PDF) joint forces are launching offensives to control Homalin Township, Banmauk Township, Tamu Township, Indawgyi Region, and Hpakant Region, resulting in clashes with the SNA.

CNI News

1 August 2025

If a candidate ran the election for the position of Minister of Ethnic Affairs from under a mainland party, he would not be able to freely present or discuss ethnic issues, Lisu National Development Party (Dulei Party) Chairman U Li Paw Re told CNI News.

If ethnic parties want to contest for the position of Minister of Ethnic Affairs, they should use the People's Pioneer Party (PPP) to contest, said the party chairperson Dr. Thet Thet Khaing at a press conference on July 27.

"Since the PPP is a party that can compete nationwide, there may be many vacancies for the ethnic affairs representative positions. The party will need many ethnic candidates to compete from that party in Kachin State, Sagaing Region, Shan State, Rakhine State, Mon State, and Kayin State. We won't send a candidate of ours to that party to be elected for the position of ethnic affairs minister. But we might send our candidate to an allied ethnic party of ours. It seems to be convenient for mainland parties to be elected in the ethnic territories. If an ethnic candidate from a mainland party runs the election for the post of minister for ethnic affairs, he or she will be under the influence of that party. They might not have the rights to freedom of presentation or discussion." said U Li Paw Reh.

While the People's Party Chairman U Ko Ko Gyi was speaking

The PPP is a party that will run the election in the whole country and since it has a lot of vacancies for the position of ethnic affairs minister, it possibly is inviting like that, he said.

" There are two Karen parties in Karen State and a Karen party in Ayeyarwady Region. Lots of Karen people live in Yangon, Bago, Tanintharyi, Ayeyarwady Regions, Mon and Karen States where candidates can contest for the position of Karen ethnic affairs minister. But Karen parties have registered in Karen State and Ayeyarwady Region only, so it might be difficult for the Karen parties to contest in other states and Regions for the post of ethnic affairs minister. That's why we are inviting ethnic parties to contest from our party, using our party platform." said the PPP party chairperson Dr. Thet Thet Khaing.

While seeing members of ethnic parties

The SAC chairman and the UEC have said that elections will be held in phases in December 2025 and January 2026.

However, there has been a decrease in the number of candidates who will run the election except for the party leaders due to security issues, pointed out political analysts. So, reports are emerging that campaigns are being conducted, urging residents of wards and villages to run the election.

Currently, the SAC issued the Sixth Amendment to the Election Law for the Pyithu Hluttaw, Amyotha Hluttaw, and Regional or State Hluttaws on July 29, 2025.

The PPP Chairperson Dr. Thet Thet Khaing

According to that law, Amyotha Hluttaw will be under the FPTP system and Region or State Hluttaw, under the PR system. Which system will be used for the Pyithu Hluttaw is not mentioned in the law.

Although the Union Election Commission has said that elections will be held in 267 townships, it is unlikely to hold elections in all these townships, pointed out military and political analysts.

CNI News

1 August 2025

The National Defense and Security Council announced on July 31, 2025, that it had appointed a total of 8 people to the Central Bank of Myanmar Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Board of Directors.

Daw Than Than Swe as the Chairperson of the Central Bank, U Zaw Myint Naing, Dr. Lin Aung, U Thet Htun Aung as the Vice Chairpersons, and Dr. Yi Aye, U Tin Myint, Dr. Hla Nyunt,and Dr. Zaw Oo as the Directors were appointed.

CNI News

1 August 2025

The NDSC Office announced on July 31, 2025, the formation of the Central Advisory Group of the National Defense and Security Council.

The Central Advisory Group is headed by U Saw Htun Aung Myint, and its members include U Thein Nyunt, U Khin Maung Swe, Daw Aye Nu Sein, Saw Daniel, Dr. Banyar Aung Moe, Dr. Maung Maung Naing, U Shwe Kyein, U Yan Kyaw, U Wunna Maung Lwin, Mahn Nyein Maung, Daw Dwe Bu, Poe Ye' Aung Thein, Dr. Mu Thang, and Khun San Lwin.

CNI News

1 August 2025

The National Defense and Security Council announced on July 31, 2025, that a state of emergency has been declared in 63 townships in regions and states in order to effectively maintain regional peace and stability and the rule of law.

These townships are 5 townships in Kachin State, 3 townships in Kayah State, 2 townships in Kayin State, 7 townships in Chin State, 9 townships in Sagaing Region, 5 townships in Magway Region, 3 townships in Mandalay Region, 14 townships in Rakhine State, and 15 townships in Shan State, for a total of 63 townships.

The state of emergency in these townships is for up to 90 days.

These townships are experiencing fighting between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and armed groups, and the rule of law is weak.