CNI News

22 January 2024

The State Administration Council (SAC) has formed the committee that will take action against posting pornographic materials, fake news and  political attacking to social network (internet) according to the law reportedly.

Deputy Minister for Home Affairs takes responsibility as the chairman of the committee, and Deputy Minister for Transport and Telecommunication, as vice chairman, and Deputy Director General (1) of Myanmar Police Force, as secretary, and Chief of Criminal Police, as associate secretary, and Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunication, as associate secretary (2).

While monitoring internet users

Moreover, Director General of the Ministry of Law Affairs, Director General of the Ministry of Information, a delegate from the Office of the Chief of Military Security Affairs, and  Director General of the Central Bank of Myanmar, and Deputy Director General of Special Investigation Department, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Head of the Department of Crime and Law, Myanmar Police Force have take responsibilities as members reportedly.

The committee will form a team that contains technological experts and monitor posting fake news, disinformation, pornographic materials that are inconsistent with Myanmar traditional culture and politically attacking description to internet around the clock.

Regarding the above-mentioned issues, posting, live broadcasting, sharing and encouragement will be technologically detected and the culprits will be taken action against effectively in accordance with the law, said in the statement.

CNI News

22 January 2024

Although commodities cannot be transported to the northern Shan, Rakhine States and Myawady trade camps, highway freight rates are not affected, according to the Myanmar Highway Freight Transportation Services Association.  

The road to the China-Myanmar border trade gates in northern Shan State and the one to the Myanmar-Thailand border trade gate, Myawady, could not be used due to the battles, but because commodities could be transported to China and Thailand through southern and eastern Shan State border gates, Myanmar's flow of goods were not damaged, U Kyin Thein, chairman of the Myanmar Highway Freight Transportation Services Association, told CNI News.  

while seeing trucks

"This is open season when flow of goods is strong. Trucks go from Yangon to Myla or Tachileik in southern and eastern Shan State. Border trade is operating. Because we can't go to the northern Shan State, we have to go to Myla in the eastern part of Shan State, a border gate trading with China. Trading with Thailand is conducted through  Kengtung and Tachileik. All the goods that will go to northern Shan State must be firstly carried to Myla in eastern Shan State. When the goods are sent to Myawady, if it's impossible to transport by big trucks, we have to use light trucks." he said.

Although there is no flow of goods with northern Shan State, Rakhine State and Myawady as a border trade, the flow of goods has been regular in other Regions and States. Because the present period is the open season, highway freight is convenient, a highway freight entrepreneur, told CNI News.

while seeing trucks

" At present, highway freight is being conducted. Highway trucks are going to southern and eastern parts of Shan State, and Yangon, Mawlamyine, Yay, Myeik, Dawei, Pa-an, but not to Myawady. We can go to Myitkyina and Monywa as well. And we go to Shwebo, Pakokku, Magway, Yangon, Pathein. Now that it's the open season, we are going in this way until May. As soon as the rainy season come, only 50 percent of trucks go and come." he said.

Highway freight cannot be stopped. If a route was closed, another usable one would be used, said businessmen.

If regular routes were closed, there might be exorbitant increase in freight charges because other routes might be delayed and there might have difficulties on the way. However, if highway freight stopped, although commodities would be abundant in some places, there would be areas where goods are scarce and expensive.

CNI News
20 January 2024

Battles might break out severely in Sagaing and Magway Regions after a ceasefire between the Tatmadaw and the Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State, said military and political analysts.

When it was over two months since the Operation-1027 was launched on 27th October, discussions were held from 9th to 11th January after which the Tatmadaw and the Three brotherhood Alliance agreed to temporary ceasefire.

The People Defense Force (PDF) troops who went and joined in the Operation-1027 led by the Three Brotherhood Alliance would come down to the mainland and there was also concern about the election, U Thet Zaw, a political commentator, told CNI News.

While seeing the BNRA force

" Because the ceasefire has been conducted in northern Shan State, PDFs who went and joined in the Operation-1027 will come back to the mainland. To tell you frankly, PDFs don't like that a civilian government will arise. The NUG/CRPH, behind them, will push the PDFs so as not to enable the State Administration Council (SAC) to hold the election for their existence. So, it will be worrisome for the election. When the PDFs went and joined in the operation, the fighting in Sagaing and Magway Regions was much less. But now they are about to come back. If battles broke out again like in the past, it wouldn't be good." he said.

The Operation-1027 led by the Three Brotherhood Alliance (MNDAA, TNLA and AA) contains the Bamar People Liberation Army (BPLA), the Mandalay People's Defense Force (MDY-PDF), the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA) and the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Most of the townships in northern Shan State have been captured by the Three Brotherhood Alliance and it could be generally said that their military objective has been achieved, U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

While seeing the Three Brotherhood Alliance

" Except for Lashio in northern Shan State, all the remaining regions have been controlled by the Three Brotherhood Alliance and their military objective is generally achieved. They might tackle Lashio like Laukkai. After the ceasefire, the city has been surrounded. Their military objective in northeastern part of the cuntry has ended. The operation has reached Naunghkio now. And then, it might reach Pyin Oo Lwin and Mandalay. The implemantation of that military objective was not included in the ceasefire agreement. At the same time, PDFs in Sagaing and Magway Regions might promote their military activities against the Tatmadaw and vice versa, I think." he said.  

During the Operation-1027, the Three brotherhood Alliance has captured Laukkai, Kon Kyan,Kung Lon, Pangsai, Mong Ko, Phaung Sai, Theinni, Chin Shwe Haw, Namkham, Kutkai, Mang Ton, Nansang, Namtu, Mong Lon and Mong Ngor.

CNI News
19 January 2024

The political community is discussing regarding how the State Administration Council led by Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing will move forward after its six month term.

The state of emergency was extended for six months for the second time according to the Section-425 of the constitution at the meeting of the National Defense and Security Council on 31st July 2023 and this term will expire in the not too distant future.

At present, due to the lack of stability, elections could not be held. So, the SAC would probably extend the state of emergency for another six months, U Li Paw Reh, chairman of the Lisu National Development Party (Dulei Party) told CNI News.

" The current six month term will expire in the end of this month. The political situation has not been stable as yet. So, I deem that the SAC will extend for another six months."he Said.

While the meeting of the National Defense and Security Council is being held

Myanmar Tatmadaw will have already taken power for three years on 1st February 2024 after declaring the state of emergency on 1st February 2021.

There are also speculations among political circles that it may appear a transitional government or a coalition government after 31st January 2024.

There may be changes in the administration after the six month tenure of the SAC, U Myo Kyaw, spokesperson of the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA) told CNI News.

The State Administration Council Chairman's Office Ministries Formation and Assignment Statement

"They won't give up power. They have taken power because they want to get it. But there's one thing that they have already lost a lot of their people. We have expected if they will change people in their administration because military dictatorship contains more than a person. But no matter how they change, we will fight against the dictator and his party. There will be problems in our country as long as soldiers have held the State power." he said.

In the current situation, the SAC is experiencing military and political crises and the political community is watching how the SAC will move forward.

Saying the NLD government was trying to form a government without solving the vote list dispute in the 2020 general election, the Tatmadaw toppled down the government on 1st February 2021 and has take power after declaring the state of emergency.

Ministry 1, 2 and 4 at Office of Chairman of the State Administration Council were newly formed on 8th January 2024 and General Moe Aung was appointed as the National Security Advisor instead of Lt-Gen Yar Pyae.

After that, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces (Navy) Admiral Moe Aung was replaced with Chief of Staff (Navy) Lt-Gen Zwe Win Myint.

CNI News
19 January 2024

Northwestern Command armed the Myanandar Militia Force (indigenous) in the Homalin Cantonment, upper Sagaing Region, said local sources. The arming ceremony was held at the Homalin Airforce Headquarters in Homalin on 17th January 2024.

The ceremony was attended by Brig-Gen Thein Tun Oo, commander of the Homalin Cantonment, No.3 Frontier-based Military Strategist, Minister for National Races Affairs of Sagaing Region U Naing Naing Kyaw and invitees, said local sources.

Myanmar Tatmadaw would organize militia strategy for the territorial peace and stability due to battles breaking out across the country, Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) said during a meeting with political parties on 6th January 2024.

While militiamen are being armed in the Homalin Cantonment

However, guns that the Tatmadaw armed were very old, did not have strong firing power and were abruptly broken. Moreover, only bullets that are produced by the Tatmadaw could be used. So, the guns could not be used effectively during battles, pointed out military analysts.

So, weapons and ammunition seized by militias and their allies or guns like M-22 should be providedt to militias, they pointed out.

CNI News
                                                                                                       
19 January 2024

Illegal hundi activities are being arrested to prevent illegal money exchange, said businessmen and money exchange entrepreneurs. 

99 suspects relating to illegal hundi activities were inspected after which 20 individuals had been taken action against by Myanmar Police Force, Central Bank of Myanmar stated.

Because Myanmar expatriates mainly used illegal hundi businesses to transfer money, Central Bank of Myanmar probably had made a decision to take action against hundi enterprises, U Thet Zaw, an economic analyst, told CNI News.

" They have been wanting to take action against hundi enterprises for long. But they were not able to tackle it pretty well. But now, there might have difference between the arrest and the ability to tackle. That hundi agents were not taken action against in the past might be because at that time, the number of Myanmar migrant workers was not so many, but now that there have been several million Myanmar migrant workers, the amount of money including tax that will flow into Myanmar is so much. So, the government probably has made a decision to take action like that, I think. But I don't think the hundi system will die out at all. Myanmar people want to do what they are asked not to do." he said.

While seeing dollars and kyats

The hundi business has existed for many years and as it can be defined as a business with a strong market, arrest like this did not seem to be effective, pointed out businessmen. 

Moreover, there might have bribery between hundi business operators and government officials concerned. So, illegal hundi business could not be taken action against effectively, said some people.

20 people who have been prosecuted have no license for money transfer business and foreign exchange, and of them, 9 people were illegally transferring salaries of Myanmar migrant workers in China, Malaysia and Thailand. And three people illegally exchanged money and paid for buying goods. And eight people exchanged from foreign currency to Myanmar currency with the country.

Most of Myanmar nationals abroad are using illegal hundi enterprise because they earned more money than using legal money transferring and could enjoy other better services, Hmwar Michael living in Malaysia told CNI News.

while seeing 5,000 kyat notes

" To tell you frankly, hundi system is more convenient for basic class and overstayers. Hundi agents deliver the money to your home. Money price also is a bit higher than legal rate. Transferring at Myanmar shops is cheaper for service charge. Transferring money through KPay or Wave Money in Myanmar arrives quickly. If you legally transfer money bank to bank, it will take you about one week. Service charge is more expensive. Overstayers can't transfer bank to bank." he said.

Gold and Currency Market Monitoring and Supervisory Committee was inspecting notorious hundi agents and scrutinizing their bank accounts and remittances, in collaboration with law enforcer organizations of the Ministry of Home Affairs, according to the statement released by the Central Bank of Myanmar.

14 foreign remittance business licenses had been issued until 19th December 2023 with a view to making illegal hundi enterprises die out, said in the statement.

CNI News

19 January 2024

The question has emerged if the temporary ceasefire agreed between the Tatmadaw and the Three Brotherhood Alliance (MNDAA, TNLA and AA) because of the China's mediation is just for the interests of both China and Myanmar. 

The ceasefire was agreed after three day discussion from 9th to 11th January 2024, over two months after the Operation-1027 was launched.

He heard that the ceasefire did not contain Rakhine State where the Arakan Army (AA) has been active and battles were breaking out near a Chinese project, Dr.Aye Maung, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News.

" To the best of my knowledge, the ceasefire doesn't contain Rakhine State. Northern Shan State, as you know, has the main road of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The battles are breaking out along the road. The BRI will contain expressway, railway and motorway and it will pass Kokang region, Mandalay and Tigyaing. Namkham where battles broke out is near the Chinese gas and petroleum pipeline of the China National Petroleum Company (CNPC). The peace and stability of that region is important to the BRI and CNPC's pipeline as well as China-Myanmar trade corridor. Because the current battles are damaging the interests of the two countries, Chinese mediation seems to contain a political give and take." he said.

While seeing a deep water port project in Rakhine State

China seemed to believe the current Myanmar political problem must be solved by authorities, EAOs and the public, added Dr.Aye Maung.

" China seems to want solving the problem militarily to be part of the ability to solve politically. Whether it is temporarily accepted or not depends on the results of political discussion. China will mainly take care of Zha Pian, BRI and pipeline, I think. China seems to define Myanmar's armed conflict must be solved by Myanmar government, EAOs and the public." he said.

During the Operation-1027, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) has captured Laukkai, Kon Kyan, Kunlong, Pang Sai, Mong Ko, Phaung Sai, Hsenni, Chin Shwe Haw and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) also has captured Namkham, Kutkai, Mang Ton, Nangsang, Namtu, Mong Lon, Mong Ngor. 

Battles have decreased for the time being in northern Shan State. On the other hand, the battles are severely breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State and Paletwa Township, Chin State.

While seeing Paletwa Town

The AA had already captured northern Rakhine State and Paletwa Town, U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator told CNI News.

" The AA has already captured northern Rakhine State and Paletwa Town. And then, it will start attacking southern Rakhine State. The AA will make an effort to be able to capture the Danyawadi navy camp, I think. So, battles will be intense in Rakhine State." he said.

There are many Chinese investment projects in Myanmar namely Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone, Myitsone Dam, Flyover Railway, Kanpaiktee Economic Cooperation Zone, Muse-Mandalay Electric Railway, Ruili-Mandalay-Kyaukphyu Expressway, China-Myanmar Trade Route and so on.

CNI News

18 January 2024

Among the regular tourist destinations, tourists entered stable places by hundreds of thousands, but there are hardly any tourists who enter unstable regions, according to tourism and hotel operators.

Of the regions where most of tourists tended to go to, northern part of Shan state and Rakhine State have become the places where tourist arrivals have been sharply reduced due to the battles that have been taking place since October, 2023, tourism and hotel operators told CNI News.

Over 1,400,000 tourists from local and abroad entered southern and eastern Shan State and tourists increased by 40 percent in 2023 than in 2022. 

However, there were few tourists who entered nortern Shan State in 2023 because of battles although a lot of tourists entered the region in 2022, U Zaw Zaw, Northern Shan State Hotel Entrepreneurs Association, told CNI News.

While seeing the Tazaungdaing Festival in Taunggyi, southern Shan State

" 2022 is the year when turists entered northern Shan State most. Rooms were full with tourists. You would get a room only if you booked two or three days in advance. It mainly depends on stability. There are few battles in southern and eastern Shan State. Because this is the tourist season as well, guests will go there. But on the other hand, in northern Shan State, battles are breaking out and bridges have been damaged. So, tourists don't come. It's a wide gap. It's been kind of reverse." he said.

Although there is a temporary ceasefire between the Tatmadaw and the Three Brotherhood Alliance (MNDAA, TNLA and AA) in northern Shan state, battles are still breaking out in some places. 

Because there have been no peace in northern Shan State at present, it would take time to an extent to develop tourism of the region, he said.

Nearly 500,000 tourists local and abroad entered the Bagan region in 2023.

A lot of tourists entered Rakhine State during Thingyan, Tazaungdaing and December holidays in the past. However, the battles between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA) resumed on 13th November 2023 after which tourist arrivals in Rakhine State were reduced, a person who is doing business of hotel and tourism, told CNI News.

While seeing tourists at the beach

" It's hard to say at a time like this. There are only people who go to Thandwe and Ngapali. Those who come to Nagpali just come by flight" he said.

The period from October to April has been designated as the tourist season of Myanmar. However, because the battles are breaking out in the season, not only tourists don't come, restaurant and hotel industries depending on tourists are also in trouble reportedly.

" According to the statistics from the immigration department, in 2023 the number of tourists who entered Myanmar was more than one million. 28 million tourists entered Thailand. More tourists entered Malaysia as well. Three or four million tourists entered Cambodia and Laos each and so did Vietnam. Although one million tourists entered, tourists had to enter mainly through the Yangon Airport. About 20,000 tourists only entered Myanmar each month. So, the number of tourists who entered Myanmar is 300,000 at most. Most border gates have been closed in 2023. It is unlikely that one million tourists entered Myanmar." said U Thet Lwin Toe, a tourism entrepreneur, to CNI News.

The number of foreign tourists who entered Myanmar in 2023 was until over 1,200,000 reportedly. 280,000 foreign tourists entered Myanmar by flight and by ship with visa and nearly 1,000,000 entered with border passes.

More than 200,000 foreign tourists only entered Myanmar in 2022 and the arrival of foreign tourists in 2023 increased by five times than in 2022.

CNI News

18 January 2024

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) arrested 30 Shanni youths from Ton Bin Village near the border between Homalin Township, Sagaing Region and Mohnyin Township, Kachin State on the night of 16th January, said locals. 

Moreover, the KIA asked Shanni villages that are located along the bank of Indawgyi Lake to give 30 Shanni youths per village as recruits after summoning heads of the villages, said locals.

" Shanni youths from Ton Bin Village near the border of Homalin and Mohnyin Townships were arrested by the KIA. We still don't know where they are taken to. The KIA called the heads of the villages along the bank of Indawgyi Lake and told them to recruit 30 Shanni youths for the KIA. Why is the KIA recruiting Shanni youths? They have to recruit Kachin people. Will Shanni have to die for the KIA? Even if they die, the KIA will benefit. The Shanni people shouldn't remain calm like this. The Shanni nationalities need to support the Shanni organiations." said a local.

While seeing the SNA force

At present, Shanni people have built the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) and the SNA is striving to help build the Shanni State and to make the Shanni region peaceful and stable, and to make the nationalities enjoy equal rights as well as to be able to build a federal democratic union.

While the SNA is trying like this, the KIA is striving to control territories, supporting the People's defense Force with arms and ammunitions and attacking the SNA military camps in Sagaing Region and Kachin State, said Shanni organiations.

While seeing the KNA force

On the other hand, the Kuki National Army (KNA) arrested and killed 37 Shanni people from Thanan Village, Aung Zeya Town, Tamu Township, Sagaing Region on 24th November 2023. Moreover, the KNA arrested and killed four Shanni men who returned from a funeral on 13th January 2024.

Shanni organizations are demanding international community to protect Shanni people from being arrested, killed and recruited.