CNI News

4 October 2025

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has become weak militarily due to declining alliances, according to Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), who spoke to CNI News.

He said that because the TNLA is essentially a locally-based organization, it is facing difficulties in regaining manpower, weapons, and popular support at a time when it is confronted with opposition from its former strongest allies as well as from local communities.

On the other hand, since the Myanmar Tatmadaw is a state institution, it is able to replenish its manpower and arms in the long term, which allows it to exert increasing pressure and regain advantages in various areas, Khun Okkar explained.

Colonel Khun Okkar

“In short, they have fewer strong allies now. In the long run, the state institution (the Myanmar Tatmadaw) can quickly replenish and reinforce, applying greater pressure and gaining more opportunities. But for groups like the TNLA, which are more localized, it’s much harder to replenish manpower and arms. At this point, when TNLA is struggling to regain popular support, it faces opposition both from local people and local allied organizations. In civilian terms, you could say they’re short on friends. That means TNLA needs to rethink its situation,” he said.

The TNLA, along with the Kokang MNDAA, the Arakan Army (AA), KNDF, BNRA, BPLA, MDY-PDF, DPLA, PLA and other armed groups, launched the “Operation 1027” in northern Shan State and Mandalay Region on October 27, 2023.

During that offensive, the TNLA seized control of towns in northern Shan State such as Namkham, Nansang, Mantong, Monekoe, Namtu, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Nawngcho, Momeik, Monglon, Kutkai, as well as Mogok in Mandalay Region.

However, by expelling other armed groups such as the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP), and local People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) from the seized territories, the TNLA disrupted its military and political relations.

Myanmar Tatmadaw retaking Kyaukme

Similarly, disputes also broke out between TNLA and its Operation 1027 partner, the Kokang MNDAA, regarding administrative control of Kutkai Township.

Subsequently, on August 20, 2025, the United Wa State Army (UWSA)—the group most capable of supplying TNLA with arms and ammunition—announced after a meeting in Pangsang with leaders of TNLA, MNDAA, and SSPP that it would no longer provide weapons, funds, or any other assistance to any armed organization.

Amid these developments, the Myanmar Tatmadaw launched counter offensives into TNLA-held territories, recapturing Nawngcho in July 2025 and Kyaukme on October 1, 2025.

Currently, the Myanmar Tatmadaw’s offensive to retake Mogok has already reached the outskirts of the town, and operations to retake Hsipaw are also underway.

CNI News

3 October 2025

The leaders of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) need to carefully consider ways to minimize losses, said Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), to CNI News.

As the Myanmar Tatmadaw is currently attacking TNLA-controlled Kyaukme, calls have been made for TNLA leadership to adopt strategies that reduce casualties and destruction.

At present, TNLA is said to be facing a shift toward a more defensive position, with dwindling alliances and weaker forces compared to before. Meanwhile, the Myanmar Tatmadaw’s manpower, equipment, and firepower have been replenished, giving it certain advantages on the battlefield.

Towns that have been captured by the TNLA

Colonel Khun Okkar explained: “In general, there are always ups and downs in war. Right now, TNLA seems to be leaning toward a more difficult, defensive phase. Their alliances have become fewer, their forces have become smaller, while the Tatmadaw has fully restored its manpower and weaponry. When the other side gains such strength, naturally, the advantage shifts back to them. That’s why what TNLA gained during Operation 1027 is now being pushed back. War has its ups and downs, and at this point, it is moving toward a downturn for TNLA. So, the leadership needs to plan carefully to minimize losses when setbacks occur.”

Fierce clashes continue near Kyaukme town, where government offices, homes, and other buildings have been destroyed by fire, forcing civilians to flee.

Although TNLA still maintains control of areas such as Mogok and Hsipaw, Colonel Khun Okkar suggested it would be better for them to withdraw from Kyaukme in order to reduce further losses:

Lt-Gen Ko Ko Oo of the Myanmar Tatmadaw and Lt-Gen Tar Jock Ja, Vice Chairman of the TNLA

“In my view, there’s no need to keep fighting in Kyaukme. They already control many other places—Mogoke, Hsipaw, and others. Concentrating too much strength in one place will only bring heavier losses. If they retreat, they should do so in a way that minimizes damage. That’s part of warfare.”

The TNLA, alongside the Kokang (MNDAA), Arakan Army (AA), KNDF, BNRA, BPLA, MDY-PDF, DPLA, PLA and others, launched Operation 1027 on October 27, 2023, across northern Shan State and parts of Mandalay Region.

Through this campaign, TNLA captured Namkham, Nansang, Mantong, Mong Ngor, Namtu, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Naungcho, Momeik, Monglon, Kutkai, and Mogok. However, following counteroffensives by the Myanmar Tatmadaw, Naungcho was recaptured, and government forces advanced close to Mogoke.

Now, the Tatmadaw is also pressing to seize Kyaukme and preparing further operations toward Hsipaw.

Meanwhile, TNLA and the Tatmadaw have held three rounds of talks in Kunming, China—the latest in late August 2025—but no agreement has been reached.

CNI News

3 October 2025

Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), said that despite facing threats ahead of the upcoming election, his party does not take them seriously.

The Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP) was officially registered on May 10, 2013, during the previous civilian government. It has been in existence for more than 13 years and is recognized as the first political party representing the Shanni people. The party has contested elections in Kachin State, Sagaing Region, and Mandalay Region.

Sai Htay Aung told CNI News that although threats against the party persist, they have become routine. The more public support the party receives, the less such threats matter.

Opening of the TNDP party office

“For party organizing, there will certainly be difficulties. In places like Indawgyi, battles are taking place, and in some areas polling stations cannot even be established. KIA Colonel Naw Bu has also stated that elections will not be allowed in areas under the KIA control. That is an obstacle, of course. For example, in Myitkyina Township, places like Sinbo and Tarlaw are under KIA control, which makes it unlikely polling stations can be set up there.
The biggest challenge for our party is funding. We face financial difficulties in sustaining ourselves, and yes, there are also threats. But these threats have become routine, and we don’t take them seriously anymore. The more public support we receive, the less relevant the threats will become.”, he said.

On July 29, 2025, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, enacted the “Law on Protecting Against the Disruption, Obstruction, and Sabotage of Multiparty Democratic Elections.” Under this law, those found guilty face a minimum prison term of 10 years and up to life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

TNDP meeting with the public

TNDP, based in Kachin State, plans to concentrate its efforts in Constituency 2 in the upcoming election.

Sai Htay Aung explained: “We have submitted 32 candidates for registration. The process is still under scrutiny and should be completed by October 1. Our party is doing well—we enjoy public trust and understand the sentiments of our people. I feel that people’s confidence in us has grown. Since we are based in Kachin State, and when constituencies were divided under PR (Proportional Representation), we were mostly grouped into Constituency 2. Therefore, we will focus our campaign efforts there.”

According to the new Political Parties Registration Law, TNDP re-registered as a party based in Kachin State and continues to operate within that framework.

In the first phase of elections scheduled for December 28, 2025, a total of 66 constituencies in Kachin State will be contested: 36 for the State Hluttaw, 18 for the Pyithu Hluttaw, and 12 for the Amyotha Hluttaw.

CNI News

3 October 2025

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) stated that the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs), not the KIA, led the battle to capture Banmauk. Military and political analysts told CNI News this may have been said to ensure ongoing talks with the Myanmar Tatmadaw would not be disrupted.

According to KIA, the battle for Banmauk town in upper Sagaing Region was commanded by the National Unity Government (NUG)’s Military Region 1.

Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), told CNI News:

“This is diplomacy. The KIO is saying in a diplomatic way that they have not gone beyond their designated Kachin State boundaries to expand or intrude. Therefore, if there are battles outside their area—like in Banmauk, which is already in Sagaing Region—they say the locals are leading, while the Kachin side is only assisting. It’s diplomatic wording. On the ground, who actually leads may or may not match that statement. I see it as diplomatic speech. Both sides have already agreed to meet. The KIO even proposed meeting in Myitkyina, but due to the security situation and the presence of many armed groups there, safety cannot be guaranteed. The Nay Pyi Taw side proposed meeting in Mongla or Kengtung, but the KIO has not agreed yet. Because of this location issue, no meeting has taken place so far. Meanwhile, if battles continue, one side can blame the other. So, saying the PDFs are leading helps maintain the planned talks.”

Banmauk town being captured by KIA-PDF forces

The joint resistance forces—KIA, various PDF battalions, the Kadu Defense Force, and the Banmauk PDF—launched their offensive on September 15. On September 20, they managed to seize the town, and on September 22, NUG’s Ministry of Defense announced that the capture had been carried out under the command of Military Region 1.

Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), told CNI News:

“It doesn’t look good if the KIA is seen as leading the Banmauk capture. Banmauk is inside Sagaing Region, not Kachin State. Politically, the KIA is showing restraint. They may have led the fighting, but they let the NUG take the front position. That shows political subtlety. They fought together, seized the town, but didn’t claim credit. Instead, the NUG did. The sensitive part is that Banmauk is home mainly to Shanni and Kadu ethnic groups. When such ethnic issues come up, the KIA seems to have shifted responsibility to the NUG.”

NUG and the Chin Brotherhood forces

Banmauk is a town where the Shanni make up about 68% of the population and the Kadu about 14%. Analysts suggest that due to such ethnic complexities, the KIA chose not to claim the capture.

In July and August 2025, various Spring Revolution forces—including the Chin Brotherhood (CB), Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF), Yaw Army, Myingyan PDF, NUG ministers, and Naga armed groups—met with the KIA leadership. Following those meetings, coordinated town capture operations such as Banmauk have been launched.

Currently, resistance forces control several towns in Sagaing Region, including Khanpat, Myothit, Shwepyiaye, Pinlebu, Mawlu, Inndaw, and Banmauk.

Although Banmauk Township is a constituency scheduled for elections, it is not among the 102 townships included in the first phase of the December 28 elections.

CNI News
2 October 2025

The Myanmar Tatmadaw re-entered Kyaukme town in northern Shan State with its columns and regained control of the area on October 2, 2025, according to reports accompanied by photos.

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) had taken control of Kyaukme after attacking the Tatmadaw on August 6, 2024.

Since August 2025, the Tatmadaw had launched offensives to retake Kyaukme, leading to intense clashes with the TNLA. During these battles, the Tatmadaw's military columns advanced and reached the town on October 2, regaining control over it.

CNI News

2 October 2025

The Ministry of Finance and Revenue announced on September 30, 2025, that additional allowances would be granted to civil servants currently serving in the state and to retired government employees.

Civil servants and retired employees were first granted a monthly allowance of 30,000 kyats per person starting from October 2023. Later, beginning in August 2024, a second allowance of 30,000 kyats per person per month was provided.

Now, in addition to the existing 60,000 kyats monthly allowance, an extra 30,000 kyats will be granted as a monthly allowance, according to the Ministry of Finance and Revenue.

Similarly, for members of the armed forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force), in addition to the existing 60,000 kyats monthly allowance, an extra 30,000 kyats will also be provided as an additional monthly allowance, the Ministry announced on September 30, 2025.

For daily-wage staff and laborers, in addition to the current 2,000 kyats daily allowance, an extra 1,000 kyats will be granted as a supplementary allowance. Furthermore, their daily wage will be set at 7,800 kyats, according to the announcement.

Retired civil servants will also receive, in addition to the current 30,000 kyats monthly allowance, an extra 30,000 kyats as a monthly supplementary allowance, the ministry’s statement said.

CNI News

2 October 2025

In the context of political differences, efforts must be made with the Union’s interests in mind, with a broad outlook, said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission.

He made the remarks on September 29 while speaking to the media onboard his return flight from Russia and Kazakhstan.

"Mainly, we must strive from all sides. On the other hand, when it comes to political differences, we need to address them with the Union’s interests in mind and with a broad perspective. Some of the things people are saying reflect weaknesses, I think. Mainly, in terms of politics, religion, and ethnicity, some of what is being said is narrow. If these issues are approached and spoken of with a broader view, it would be better. At the same time, we ourselves must make efforts. These efforts have two parts. First, in the area of education—this cannot be denied. The reality in the country is that we are in a weak position in education. Second is production. I have spoken about these before. What does it mean? Mostly, we rely on selling natural resources—mineral products, oil and gas, forest products, and so on. But we are weak in producing and exporting manufactured goods. That is what I am pointing out.”, said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

Leaders seen at the NCA anniversary ceremony

The Senior General’s remarks that broader political perspectives are needed for the sake of the Union could be interpreted as a message aimed at achieving election success and persuading those seeking to disrupt the elections, according to Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), a group that signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).

"In any case, he has the habit of blaming others. Blaming education weaknesses as the cause of political differences, or blaming the lack of Union spirit—those are excuses. In reality, what should be done is to create more opportunities for political dialogue or ceasefire discussions through softer and more conciliatory means. No matter which side commits violent acts, violent actions should not be taken. All leaders bear responsibility for this.”, he said.

Colonel Khun Okkar

At present, intense clashes are occurring between armed groups and the Myanmar Tatmadaw across the country.

Meanwhile, there are those seeking to build a federal union, those pursuing democracy, those pushing for confederation status, those striving for secession, those who want a centralized system, those who want to end military rule, those demanding abolition of the 2008 Constitution, and those who want to draft a new constitution. These varying positions are contributing to political divisions in the country’s nation-building efforts.

CNI News

2 October 2025

Analysts in economics and politics warn that tightened restrictions on those leaving Myanmar for various reasons could lead to corruption among lower-level officials.

According to the population census conducted at the end of 2024, the country’s population was found to be declining. Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing explained that the population decrease was due to the large numbers of people leaving the country.

In January 2025, the Ministry of Labor began imposing stricter regulations and certain prohibitions on men between the ages of 18 and 35 who sought employment abroad.

Similarly, when young people attempted to leave Myanmar for overseas destinations, some staff at airports blocked their departures on security grounds or demanded money.

Because many of those wishing to leave the country are young people of military service age, there might be interrogations and tighter scrutiny. Observers note that if the process is not smooth, opportunities arise for those who can manipulate the situation which effectively encourages corruption.

U Thet Lwin Toe, a Myanmar travel business operator, told CNI News:

“As departure restrictions have become tighter recently, I think young people of military service age will inevitably face some questioning and strict scrutiny. Some will still be able to pass smoothly. But at present, for those who are legally allowed to go abroad, if the process is smooth and convenient, it’s much better. Otherwise, when some people find ways to bypass the system while others exploit it, it ends up encouraging corruption.”

While entry cards are being issued at Yangon International Airport

After Senior General Min Aung Hlaing made remarks on the issue of overseas departures, the bylaw of the Military Service Law was promulgated on January 23, 2025.

Article 51 of that law stipulates that anyone who receives a military conscription summons may not leave the country without permission from the Central Recruitment Committee.

Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, chair of the Yangon Watch Group, told CNI News that if those responsible deal effectively with the misconduct, the public will benefit:

“Even though departure restrictions are in place, sometimes it depends on the attitude and discretion of the officials on duty. In such cases, some people are allowed to go and others are not. But there are also officials engaging in misconduct and making arbitrary decisions. The consequences affect citizens in major ways. If responsible officials give clear instructions and take effective action against misconduct, the people will benefit.”

Even before such official restrictions were introduced, many young people in Myanmar who wished to go abroad had already resorted to illegal border crossings into neighboring countries.

Currently as well, Myanmar citizens continue to leave the country for a variety of reasons.

CNI News

1 September 2025

The Union Election Commission (UEC) has announced that for the upcoming general election to be held on December 28, 2025, the voter lists will be posted publicly for the first time from September 30 to October 13, at the respective ward/village-tract sub-commission offices and villages within the village tracts.

If, for any reason, the lists cannot be posted at the ward or village-tract level, they will be available for inspection at the relevant township sub-commission offices. The UEC emphasized that accurate and complete voter lists can only be achieved if voters themselves come and check the lists during the display period.

Therefore, in order to obtain a correct and complete voter list, the UEC has urged that at least one member from each household (without fail) come forward to check the lists and assist in the process.

According to the announcement, if a voter’s name is missing from the list, they can request inclusion using Form (3). If names of ineligible persons are found on the list, they can file an objection using Form (4). If there are errors in the details of the voter list, they can submit corrections using Form (4-c).

The required forms can be obtained free of charge at the ward/village-tract sub-commission offices. After the processes of inclusion, objection, or correction are completed, the UEC will post the final updated voter lists again in November 2025, ahead of the general election.