CNI News

2 August 2024

Military analysts are reviewing and discussing in relation to whether a ceasefire could emerge in northern Shan State after the end of July under the China's pressure.

Battles were severely breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the TNLA, the MNDAA, the MDY-PDF, the DPLA joint forces in Kyaukme, Nawnghkio, Lashio, northern Shan State as well as in Momeik, Mogok, Madaya and Sintku, Mandalay Region since 25th June, 2024.

The Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF/TNLA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) announced ceasefire for four days. 

The MNDAA announced that it would cease fire unilaterally until the end of July. The six month validity of the SAC expired on 31st July and because the meeting of the National Defense and Security would be held on that day, the situation would be watched, Col-Khun Okkar, patron of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) told CNI News.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

" The MNDAA announced that it would cease fire on 31st July. But the battles was breaking out during the past days. And at the same time, that day is the day when the SAC's six month tenure will expire. So, what will the SAC do? And will the MNDAA really cease fire? So, 31st July is an important day. So, everyone will have to watch that day." he said.

Although the MNDAA announced that it had ceased fire, it was attacking the military camps and the Northeastern Command in Lashio of the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

Negotiations and compromises should be made to end the conflict, Naing Than Shwe, spokesperson of the Mon Unity Party (MUP) told CNI News.

" It's necessary to negotiate and discuss to end the conflicts. The problem is that the situation has not emerged yet. But we haven't know the government's policy and EAOs and other organizations haven't released any policy statements. So, it's hard to say." he said.

While seeing the MNDAA

There are heavy weapon fires and air strikes during battles between the two sides at present, and civilian casualties, house damages as well as locals are fleeing to safety.

The Chinese government had told the TNLA and the MNDAA three points, they are (1) to cease fire at once, (2) If the two EAOs didn't cease fire, leaders of the two EAOs would be taken action against and (3) if they didn't cease fire, China would sell effective weapons to the Myanmar Tatmadaw, said those close to the SAC and the northern allies.

If the above-mentioned situations were studied, Operation-Shan-Man also might suspend in the end of July. 

However, because not every organization accepts what China said, it was necessary to watch what would happen next, said those close to the organizations.

CNI News

1 August 2024

It would make efforts with its own strength for the peace of Myanmar, reported the United Wa State Army (UWSA) on 30th July, 2024.

Since 2021 when instabilities started in Myanmar, taking its experience and lesson of history, the UWSA decided to adopt a non-aligned policy that wouldn't take part in the military conflict of any organization and wouldn't start a war, said in the statement.

The policy would never change because of various conditions and time and the policy is proper for the interests of all nationalities not only in the Wa region but also in Myanmar, stated the UWSA.

While seeing the statement released by the UWSA

Because of the current military conflict in Myanmar, the entire nation was in a state of collapse and the country was facing economic stagnation, suspension of production, trade suspension and serious damage to various businesses. So, the people were facing a state of hopelessness, said the UWSA.

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Arakan Army (AA) and the People's Defense Force joined forces and started Operation-1027 in northern Shan State on 27th October, 2023 and waged battles to capture the military camps of the Myanmar Tatmadaw, towns and cities.

During he operation, the TNLA and the MNDAA attacked and captured Hopang and Pan Lon, and handed them over to the UWSA. And then, the TNLA-MNDAA-PDF joint forces started the second part of Opreation-1027 on 25th June, 2024 have been waging battles to capture the military camps in Lashio, Kyaukme and Nawnghkio, northern Shan State as well as Madaya, Sintku, Mogok and Momeik in Mandalay Region.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing meeting with leaders of the UWSA, the NDAA and the SSPP

During that operation, the UWSA took over Tangyan Town from the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the UWSA troops informed the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the MNDAA and entered Lashio and controlled important places on 27th July, 2024.

According to Myanmar political and military analysts, the UWSA was behind the joint operations waged by the TNLA, MNDAA, AA and PDF joint forces and the UWSA was providing the joint forces with weapons.

The UWSA has taken the role of chairman of the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC) that contains the UWSA, the TNLA, the MNDAA, the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

So, the UWSA is in a position to intervene and negotiate for the emergence of peace talks between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the EAOs.

CNI News

1 August 2024

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army released a statement urging the people and organizations to protect the interests of Chinese citizens and Chinese companies including Chinese investments, reported the MNDAA on 30th July, 2024. 

The military commission of the MNDAA released to protect all the foreign investments, to prevent and maintain losses of Chinese investments as much as possible as well as to protect lives and properties of the public and foreigners.

Actions that may affect investment and employees of the Chinese governments should be prevented and if that the Chinese interests were affected was found, the situation should be presented to the military committee of the MNDAA in time. 

Moreover, those who found them should get in touch with the relevant departments of the Chinese government at once, said in the statement.

"To rescue the Chinese citizens trapped in the battlefield in time, and if injured Chinese citizens or the Chinese citizens whose companies are being attacked are found, they should be helped or rescued" said in the statement.

While seeing the statement released by the MNDAA

China has a lot of investments in the jade, gold and copper mining activities, the Kyauk Phyu Deep Water Port Project, the Gas Pipe Line Project, Electric Power Generation Project, timber extraction, oil drilling industry, metal mining and agricultural industry.

In the same way, China is exporting construction materials, electronics, consumer goods and automobiles. 

In collaboration with the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the National Unity Government (NUG), the People's Defense Force (PDF) and the Local People's Defense Force (LPDF), the MNDAA has been launching offensives to capture Lashio City and to seize control of the Northeastern Command of the Tatmadaw since 25th June, 2024.

During the battles, Chinese citizens and Chinese people were killed or injured. Moreover, the projects where the Chinese government has invested has been suspended or damaged.

The MNDAA's statement seemed to prove that it was fighting for the Chinese interests without fighting for the Spring Revolution, pointed out Myanmar politic and military analysts.

CNI News
July 31, 2024

The National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) decided to extend the state of emergency for another six months in accordance with Section-425 of the 2008 Constitution, said in a statement released on 31st July 2024. 

The meeting of the NDSC was led and held by Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing after receiving the role of Acting President.

CNI News

31 July 2024

According to the current situation, the cooperative system was the most appropriate to improve the economy of the country, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council at the meeting of the Union Government held on 29th July, 2024. 

Successive governments implemented various economic systems and according to the current situation, the cooperative system was the most appropriate to improve the economic sector, he said.

"A cooperative system is a team system in which entrepreneurs or farmers with the same willingness and goals are organized as a team in which they work together; in the multi-party system, there are businesses where the government can take part in and the ones where the government cannot; in order to carry out these activities smoothly, the cooperative system is an appropriate one." said chairman of the SAC.

While vegetables are being sold

So, cooperative societies are formed and agriculture, livestock and manufacturing industries must be developed in accordance with the four methods including seed, land and water. 

And then, he wanted agriculture and livestock-based factories and workshops to be built. In building it, the government will provide capital, technology and other aids, he said.

Quality foodstuffs are being produced within the country and he wanted quality consumer goods, fabric and value-added products to be manufactured, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC.

If the market economy of Myanmar was replaced with the cooperative system, it was necessary to clearly explain what kind of cooperative system would be replaced with. 

While the meeting of the Union Government is being held

Moreover, the system needed to be a system that was compatible with the current international landscape, said business people.

Moreover, the kind of cooperative system under the governments led by U Than Shwe and U Ne Win could further decrease the economy of Myanmar and if the cooperative system was to be implemented again, whether it was practical or not practical should be reviewed, pointed out economic analysts.

Section-35 of the 2008 Constitution has imposed that the economic system is the market economy. 

On the other hand, State organizations, regional organizations, cooperative organizations, joint ventures, privately-owned industries and all economic elements have been allowed to participate in businesses, said in Section-36 (a) of the constitution.

CNI News

30 July 2024

The Chairman of the State Administration Council Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing told Union Ministers and Chief Ministers of the Regions and States to present the country's affairs in time. 

He said the above at the meeting (6/2024) of the Union Government held on 29th July 2024.

" If there are issues regarding the State, Union Ministers and Chief Ministers of the Regions and States need to present to the SAC as well as to carry out in accordance with the State policies." he said. 

Moreover, staff housing must be built for the security forces and health staff within areas designated for them, he added.

Currently, arms conflicts are widely taking place in Myanmar, and Myanmar Tatmadaw's military camps and townships are being captured by the revolutionary forces.

While the meeting of the Union Government was being held

In the same way, the Myanmar citizens are facing economic decline, trade barriers, higher commodity prices, obstacles for rice cultivation, weak rule of law, proliferation of gambling and online scams, and proliferation of illegal businesses.

Because the governments of the Regions and State as well as the Union Government did not present these conditions in time, Myanmar was facing general crises, pointed out political analysts and businessmen.

Because of failure to prevent online gambling and online scam called Zha Pian called in Myanmar, some heads of governments of Regions and States, departments as well as military officials were taken action against in the past.

Illegal trades were adversely affecting the country's economy and matters that was hindering border trade must be strictly tackled, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

CNI News

31 July 2024

The Chinese side told them that China is the country that wanted most to make Myanmar peaceful, Dr-Aye Maung, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), who returned from China. Armed conflicts were adversely affecting China as well and China was helping for the peace of Myanmar, he added.

" China explained three main points to us. First, they told us that the country that wants most to make Myanmar peaceful is China. Myanmar's conflict adversely affect China as well because Myanmar is its neighboring country. It helped for the peace process in the past. Now it's helping. Next, the Chinese people suffer online gambling and online scams in Myanmar most. Some Myanmar elements accuse China of being behind Operation-1027 waged by the Three Brotherhood Alliance. The Chinese government explained that it had nothing to do with the operation. If there were problems with narcotic drug, armed conflict and online scams on the Chinese side, the perpetrators would be identified and arrested by the Chinese government. If there were these problems on the Myanmar side, the Myanmar government would need to do so, that they said." he said.

At the China's invitation, the four Myanmar political parties that were registered - the AFP, the People's Party (PP), the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP) went to China from 20th to 27th July.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and the Chinese Special Envoy Mr.Deng Xijun

While the armed conflict was taking place between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the Three Brotherhood Alliance (AA,TNLA,MNDAA) in north Shan State in October, 2023, because of the China's mediation, the Haigen Agreement was reached and the two sides ceased fire. 

However, battles resumed between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the Three Brotherhood in Kyaukme, Nawnghkio, Momeik,and Lashio, northern Shan State as well as in Mogok, Madaya and Sintku Townships starting from 25th June this year.

There are a lot of the Chinese investments in Myanmar and the current conflict was adversely affecting the Chinese interests, U Kyi Myint, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

While seeing the MNDAA that is attacking Lashio City

" It is absolutely possible. China is doing business. When doing business, the country needs to be stable. So, it possibly wants to make Myanmar stable. But, successive Myanmar rulers have not been up to standard, China has been dealing with Myanmar, playing by ear. And then, the Chinese companies arose. When the companies When they get help from the government, they have to pay the government. The Chinese government's policy regarding Myanmar is that they have thanked Myanmar since five principles of peaceful coexistence was laid down in Bandung and Myanmar recognized China earlier. So, they want Myanmar to be peaceful, that is possible." he said.

Among the foreign investments, China is the most investment including the Myitsone Project, Kyauk Phyu SEZ and the Kyauk Phyu Deep Water Port Construction. At present, because of battles, the border trades have stopped.

CNI News

30 July 2024

Although the Myanmar Embassy has stated that Myanmar government employees who have already arrived in Thailand could apply for the cancellation of the blacklist, it was necessary to announce how the arrangements have been made for them, those working on the affairs of migrant workers told CNI News.

Because those who wanted to apply would have to apply at the Myanmar Embassy only, it was difficult for them. 

However, most of the employees would not apply for the cancellation of the blacklist, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED) told CNI News.

" There are many people who don't know whether they are blacklisted or not. It's difficult for those who have already arrived in distant townships because they have to go to the embassy to apply. It depends on the perception of the majority. And it also depends on their role in the anti-government activities. But I don't think the majority will apply. Moreover, it depends on what arrangements have been made in order to make the applicants convenient." he said.

According to the statement released by the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok, government employees are applying for the cancellation of the blacklist. 

While seeing those who urge to join in the CDM

Those who want to apply have to write a letter that has described the reason why they deserted their workplaces and together with the letter, they have to submit their photos taken during the past six months, addresses, passports and national verification cards as well as other documents they want to add in person or through post office.

Because the Myanmar authorities did not match words with work, former Myanmar government employees in Thailand didn't believe in asking them to apply, U Aung Kyaw from  the Labor Rights Foundation (LRF) told CNI News.

" I consider this to be a trick. I find the former government employees don't believe it because the Myanmar authorities never match words with work. The Myanmar government tries to reduce international pressure, I think. Most former government employees here in Thailand are youths. In 1988, youths were cheated. But as new generation knows the current global events every minute, no one believes it." he said.

In the following of political changes in 2021, so many Myanmar people including CDM government employees fled to Thailand.

Most of those who fled made evidence cards issued by the Thai government and are working in Thailand.

CNI News

30 July 2024

The Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS/SSA) stated that it would protect the stability of southern Shan State and the lives and properties of the public, working hand in hand with the public. 

Because the Shan State people were suffering loss of their homes, properties and lives as well as injuries, displacing, hardships of children, women, older people due to battles in northern Shan State, it was sorry for the people, said in the announcement of the second quarter meeting of the RCSS held on 29th July.

According to the manpower of the revolutionary forces in northern Shan State, the revolutionary forces could enter southern Shan State, but they might have no military objective in southern Shan State, Col-Khun Okkar, patron of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO), told CNI News.

" According to the manpower of the revolutionary forces, they might enter southern Shan State. Kokang and Palaung groups that are fighting against the Tatmadaw as well as Kokang, Wa, and the SSPP groups from northern Shan State - we don't know what their long-term strategy here in southern Shan State is. But, the SSPP forces come to Mongpun and Loilem every so often. They possibly could enter southern Shan State. But they don't seem to have a great military objective. The Wa group pays more attention to the east side of the Salween River. So, I think, places around Hopong and Taunggyi are non-combat zones at the moment." he said.

Some townships in southern Shan State are stable as non-combat zones at present. However, some revolutionary forces from the Karenni region come to southern Shan State and fight against the Tatmadaw, Col-Khun Okkar added.

While seeing the RCSS force

In the eastern and middle parts that can be said combat-zones, there are the Myanmar Tatmadaw, the RCSS, the Pa-O National Organization (PNO/PNA) and the Pa-O Militia of the Kaungkhe region. 

The RCSS doesn't get on well with the SSPP. But the SSPP is an ally of the rest groups including the PNO/PNA. 

Even if the SSPP came down to southern Shan State, they could use the channel on the east side of the Salween River. 

“Southern part is safe at present except for some Karenni elements who come and fight against the Tatmadaw and its allies. Taking advantage of this situation, the RCSS said it would protect the stability of southern Shan State." he said.

If the RCSS closely cooperate with both the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the PNO/PNA, southern Shan State could be stable, he added. Although CNI News tried to contact information officers of the RCSS by phone about it, it has not been able to get in touch with them.

During more than three years after the Tatmadaw took power, due to the outbreak of fighting all over the country, the economic decline, the increase in human rights violations, and the weak law enforcement, the people are facing so many social problems and difficulties, stated the RCSS.

Organizations concerned should meet and discuss to cease fire and to resolve through dialogue for the establishment of a federal democratic union, urged the RCSS.