CNI News

29 November 2023

Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of the State Administration Council, said on 27th November 2023 that China and Myanmar are strategic partners. 

At present, China is doing military exercises on the border for the peace and stability in the China-Myanmar border area. 

Moreover, three Chinese vessels containing about 700 officers and soldiers arrived in Myanmar on 27th November, said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun.

" China and Myanmar are, as I said yesterday, strategic partners complying with the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-Existence and there is a strong friendly relationship between the two countries or between the two armies. Today, we could hand over 553 Chinese people including 87 women illegally living in border areas to the Chinese officials." said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun.

When the Chinese warship arrived in Thilawa Port

The Chinese navy that has already arrived in Myanmar would go on a friendship tour within Myanmar and bilateral friendly sports competitions would be held, said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun. 
Currently, the battles are breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the Three Brotherhood Alliance (AA, TNLA and MNDAA).

The public thought that China was encouraging the Three Brotherhood Alliance, Dr.Aung Myo, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" According to the general public opinion, China is behind the Three Brotherhood Alliance. It's hard to say how much right it is. In my opinion, we haven't seen a clear responce from China. It's hard to say whether the Chinese activity is one side of fire and the other side of water strategy or a real good will. They should response more clearly, I think." said Dr.Aung Myo.

The China-Myanmar border is more than 1,300 miles long and near the border, the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS/SSA), the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP/SSA), the United Wa State Army (UWSA), the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Arakan Army (AA) have been active.

CNI News

29 November  2023

If the Kachin Independence Army continued to disrupt the peace and stability in Kachin State and Sagaing Region, they would fight against the KIA, which the Shanni Youths Association stated as of 23rd November 2023.

With the intention of not having stability in Kachin State and Sagaing Region, the KIA/PDF joint forces are doing various subversive activities such as burning the villages in their (Shanni) region, unjustly torturing and killing local people, robbery, forced recruitment and rape of women, said in the statement.

So, in responce to the KIA, Shanni Youths Organization carried out warning mines explosions in Myitkyina, Mogaung and Bhamo in Kachin State on 23rd November 2023, Shanni youths stated.

While seeing the statement released by the Shanni Youths Organization

"If the KIA continues to carry out to ensure that there is no peace and stability in Kachin State and Sagaing Region, Shanni youths will attacks the places dominated by the KIA in Kachin State in various ways." said Shanni youths.

Providing the Arakan Army (AA), the All Burma Students Democratice Front (ABSDF), the People's Defense Force (PDF) and the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-Burma) with weapons and ammunition, the KIA and its allies are fighting against the Shanni Nationalities Army carrying out for security in Banmauk, Kawlin, Pinlebu, Phaung Pyin, Kalay, Tamu, Homalin, Shwe Pyi Aye, Katha, Tigyaing Townships where Shanni nationalities live.

In the same way, the KIA/PDF joint forces are fighting against the Tatmadaw in Mohnyin, Mogaung, Bhamo and Hparkant Townships in Kachin State. 

While seeing the Shanni Nationalities Army

In order to be able to control the entire Sagaing Region, the KIA is waging the Ka Thone Lone (Katha, Kawlin, Kant Balu) Operation, Tigyaing Township-centered Operation and Banmauk Township-centered Operation.

If these operations were successful, it would control the entire Sagaing Region. After that, providing the AA, the Chin National Front (CNF) and the PDF with weapons and ammunition, they would be asked to wage operations in Mandalay, Magway Regions, Chin and Rakhine States, pointed out military experts.

CNI Article
28 November 2023

Now is the time armed forces across the country are trying to overthrow the Tatmadaw, which everyone knows. Among these armed forces, let's study how the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is waging its operations.

Gathering those who are willing to fight against the Tatmadaw in Sagaing Region bordering with Kachin State, the KIA started providing military trainings to them and arming them with weapons. And then, the KIA led the operations, built the supporting channels and connected with other EAOs.

After managing these situations, the KIA has been found to to have laid down three operational strategies and to be implementing them in order to be able to control the entire Sagaing Region.

These operations are (1) Banmauk Township Centered Operation, (2) Ka Thone Lone (Katha, Kawlin and Kanbalu) Operation and (3) Tigyaing Township Centered Operation.

As number one, if the KIA was able to control Banmauk Township, it would be able to attack Indaw and Katha and then Pinlebu. If it was able to control, it would be able to easily attack Phaungbyin, Shwe Pyi Aye and Homalin Towns.

In order to be able to attack these towns, according to military strategy, Banmauk Township is important to the KIA so that it will be able to transport weapons and ammunition.

The route that weapons can be transported to Banmauk is the one from Mohnyin Township in Kachin State, Maw Han, Mawlu to Indaw. The next route is the one going from Shwegu Township to Katha Township in Sagaing Region from which goes to Indaw and Banmauk.

No.2 Operation is Ka Thone Lone (Katha, Kawlin and Kanbalu) Operation. It is to control Katha firstly. If the KIA has been able to control Katha, it will go on trying to control Kawlin and then Kanbalu to the south of Kawlin. Now that the KIA has controlled Kawlin, its forces have been deployed in Kyunhla near Kanbalu so that it can prevent Kawlin from fighting by the Tatmadaw and at the same time, it is putting pressure on Kanbalu. In order to succeed in this operation, arms and ammunition can be supported from Shwegu, Mohnyin, Indaw routes

Shanni Region

No.3 is the Tigyaing Township Centered Operation. The KIA has started attacking Tigyaing and already controlled rural area of the township. Mainly, arms and ammunition can be sent to Tigyaing through Shwegu in Kachin State and Katha as well. Moreover, arms and ammunition can be sent from Mabein in Mandalay Region.

If the KIA had already controlled the entire Tigyaing Township, it would have controlled the Ayeyarwady waterway and channel that has been connected between Kachin State, Sagaing and Mandalay Regions.

After that, the KIA will continue to put military pressure on Mandalay Region.

The KIA and its allies - the Chin National Front (CNF), the Chin National Defense Force (CNDF), the People Defense Force (PDF), the Kuki National Organization-Burma (KNO Burma) and the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) are attacking Tamu, Khampat and Kalay Townships in Sagaing Region.

The KIA has provided its allies with weapons and ammunition in order to control the entire Sagaing Region.

The KIA is waging these three operations with its allies and if they succeeded in the operations, they would be able to control the entire Sagaing Region.

As soon as the KIA has able to control the entire Sagaing Region, arms delivery route will be open and arms and ammunition can be easily delivered to Mandalay, Magway Regions, Chin and Rakhine States.

After that, the AA, CNF, CNDF and PDF will go on trying to liberate Mandalay, Magway Regions, Chin and Rakhine States. So,  liberation battles for Chin, Rakhine States, Magway and Mandalay Regions would emerge from the KIA's control strategy of the entire Saging Region.

However, at present, the KIA is facing with some barriers while implementing the strategy. The main barrier is the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA). Shanni nationaliteis are living in the middle and upper parts of Sagaing Region and the SNA is trying to make their regions peaceful and stable.

Especially, the SNA has been active in Tigyaing, Kawlin, Wuntho, Pinlebu, Katha, Shwe Pyi Aye, Tamu, Kalay, Banmauk, Indaw, Phaungbyin, Homalin, Mawlike and Thanang regions and is trying to restore Shanni State as well.

So, because the SNA is in the military operation area of the KIA, the battles became to take place between the SNA and the KIA/PDF joint forces. Because the SNA is the main barrier that might prevent the KIA's military operations so as not to be successful, the KIA would able to easily implement its operation if it could persuade the SNA.

If the KIA can't organize the SNA, it will find it difficult. So, it is important to the KIA to organize or fight to win the SNA. In the same way, if the Tatmadaw can organize the SNA, it can go one step further so that the KIA can't control Sagaing Region.

The KIA won't have enough finance for the arms and ammunition in order to wage operations that will control the entire Sagaing Region and to go on fighting in Chin, Rakhine States, Magway and Mandaly Regions. If that's so, which force is behind the KIA?

SNA Army

Surely China will be behind the KIA because the KIA has helped build Meitei and Naga armed groups and is putting pressure on India to satisfy China. Now it will be able to put more pressure on India.

Moreover, if the KIA was able to liberate Rakhine and Chin States with the help of China, armed groups in Chin and Rakhine State might be able to disturb the India's Kaladan River Project and border region stability.

The situations presented above are about how important Sagaing Region is for armed forces that want to overthrow the Tatmadaw and how important the region is for the KIA, China and the Tatmadaw.

However, we all have to watch what will happen next.

CNI News

24 November 2023

Myanmar watermelons that were being exported to China through Myla border trade were damaged because it took long on the way, said traders. 

Because watermelon could not exported through Muse, Kyin San Kyawt border trades due to the battles breaking out in northern Shan State, traders have to be exporting through Myla border.

Although it only took about two days when watermelons were exported through Kyin San Kyawt, it took about five days when they were exported through Myla.

So, watermelons were more damaged and two tons to ten tons of watermelons were damaged, a watermelon trader told CNI News.

Trucks loaded with watermelons

" In addition to the delay on the way, the watermelons were more damage because they were planted in the rainy season. If they were grown in the cold season, they would not be damaged loke that. When the watermelons are transported, it takes about five days. It takes about 7 days to reach the sales field. If you exported through Kyin San Kyawt, it would take you one day. It would take two days at most to reach the Chinese side. Shan watermelons were not damaged but only Bamar watermelons. Because Bamar watermelons were grown in the rainy season, they had drunk a lot of water. Watermelons which had drunk a lot of water are perishable. A truck is loaded 16 tons of watermelon and Bamar watermelons are damaged from five to ten tons. Shan watermelons are damaged from two to three tons at most. Watermelons of poor quality and those that cannot be transported long distances are sent to the local market." he said.

More than 100 trucks of watermelons are being exported to China through Myla each day reportedly. 

In terms of value, a truckload of watermelons is 100 to 150 lakh kyats. The cost of renting a truck was 60 lakhs and if the damage arose, they would not get even truck fee, said traders.

Watermelon farmers should cultivate only after weighing all the circumstances, Ko Thitsar, a watermelon farmer from Sagaing Region, told CNI News.

Trucks loaded with watermelons

" A watermelon farmer should have known the watermelon market potential in China. We hope to re-open Muse market. If we have to use Myla border gate only, there will be many losses for us because the journey is far and there are also travel delays. There is an intermediate station on the Myanmar side. We have to wait long to be checked. But apart from long distance, we are safe on the way. If we can export from Muse border route, we can save more than half of the current cost." said Ko Thitsar.

At present, there are not a lot of watermelon trade within China. The prices of watermelons are stable. The watermelon is sold at three yuans to four yuans reportedly.

If traders can export watermelon to China through Muse border trade again, the cost and time can be saved half more than the current, said traders.

CNI News 

24 November, 2023

Although Myanmar Ministry of Labor has directed to the agencies sending Myanmar workers abroad to go and resolve the workplace problems of Myanmar migrant workers within 30 days, the agencies did not come to solve the problems. 

The agencies tend to come and solve the big problems only that are written about on social media and largely don't solve the problems that are not posted on social media, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED) told CNI News.

" For example, the case of over 230 that took place at La Yaung a few days ago. They asked for help. But relevant agencies didn't solve the problem. At last they got into trouble. To the best of my knowledge, most agencies don't solve. But it depends on the situation. if the problem with many workers is widely known among the public, the agencies concerned tend to come and solve. If the problem with one or two workers, the workers get into trouble badly. If the problem is not serious or is not posted on social media, the agencies largely don't solve the problem." said U Min Oo.

While labor officers were meeting with the labors from a construction site

 Myanmar MoU workers are mainly facing with no consistence with the workplaces or employers that have been designated or being underpaid.

Some agencies come and solve by changing workplace within less than 30 days and others have evaded reportedly.

Although MoU workers can ask help from the labor officer from the embassy when the agencies concerned don't solve the problem, they tend to solve the problem with the help of the organizations that assist for the labor affairs because they are hesitant or unable to contact with the officer reportedly.

" When the workers called to the embassy to complain, the office might not answer the phone. Sometimes, the office asked which agency and told they would let the agency know. In order to help the workers effectively, ministry and labor officers need to comply with the law. If the agencies don't solve the problem within the period designated, they should be blacklisted at all." said Ko Thar Gyi, a person helping migrant workers.

While an agency official was meeting with workers

Although the Ministry of Labor has directed to the agencies sending Myanmar workers abroad to go and resolve the workplace problems of Myanmar migrant workers within 30 days, the agencies don't solve the problem. It is because of weak taking action, those helping workers pointed out.

If labor problems or special events occurred, the agencies needed to report to the officials concerned and would have to cooperate with labor officers real time, which the ministry has directed. 

At present, the ministry has blacklisted 126 Thai companies, 20 Thai agencies and 125 Thai citizens Thai that violated labor rights.

CNI News

23 November, 2023

Rsidents of Naung Pu Aung Village in Homalin Township have to be displaced by battles, a local told CNI News. 

The battles are severely taking place between the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) and the KIA/PDF joint forces in Hlwazingon Village near Naung Pu Aung Village reportedly.

Residents from Naung Pu Aung and Hlazingon went to their relatives in nearby villages and were staying away from the battle, a Naung Pu Aung resident told CNI News.

" Naung Pu Aung villagers went to Namscar and Narmaw Villages to avoid the battle. All the villagers who think the battle will spread to Naung Pu Aung have moved to Namscar. A few people are still in Naung Pu Aung. But there is no one in Hlwazingon." she said.

While seeing Homalin Town

Although the current period is the time of harvesting rice paddy, paddy field were left without being harvested, she said. The KIA/PDF joint forces attacked Hlwazingon, Phar Nine Villages and Shwe Pyi Aye Town at the same time on 21st November 2023 and until now, the two sides are in military tension.

Due to the battles, many residents of Shwe Pyi Aye went to Homalin Town to avoid battles reportedly. That the KIA/PDF joint forces were fighting against the SNA rather than security forces caused conflict between ethnic groups, Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of the State Administration Council stated on the night of November 22.

" The battle broke out between the SNA and the KIA/PDF joint forces at Naung Po Aung, in the northwestern part of Sagaing Region. They (the KIA/PDF joint forces) are creating the conflict between the ethnic groups rather than fighting against the government security forces. It is leading to utter devastation. We all ethnic people must be aware of it. In cooperation with the security forces, the entire people must eradicate the insurgents with this kind of subversive mentality to restore stability and peace in Myanmar." said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun.

While seeing the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA)

The battles often break out between the SNA and the KIA/PDF joint forces in Hlwazingon Village near Naung Po Aung, and Aung Bin Village starting from July.

The SNA is an ethnic armed group that is trying to restore Shanni State by bringing together Mawlike, Kalay, Khamti, Katha and Tamu Districts in Sagaing Region, and Bhamo, Myitkyina and Moe Nying Districts in Kachin State.

CNI News

23 November 2023 

Nearly 2,000 Chinese citizens who were working in the online gambling and online scams (Zhapian) were arrested by the State Administration Council and handed over to the Chinese government on 21st November 2023 reportedly. 

Of them, 1,816 people are men and 43 are women and a total of 1,859 people were handed over to the Chinese government.

The Chinese government is negotiating with the SAC to arrest the Chinese employers and employees doing business of online scams and hand over them to China.

However, due to the fact that no effective measures were taken, shouting slogans that they would suppress those working in online scams and eradicate dictatorship, the Three Brotherhood Alliance (the MNDAA, the TNLA and the AA) launched the Operation-1027.

The operation is attacking the Tatmadaw camps in Mong Ko, Chin Shwe Haw, Theinni, Naunghkio, Namkham, Phaung Sai, Kyukote (Pang Sai) and has captured some towns.

China was behind the operation or China allowed the Three Brotherhood Alliance to launch the operation, which domestic politicians have believed. After that, the SAC

started cracking down on online gambling businesses and the culprits were handed over to China only when the military pressure has increased, they pointed out.

The SAC has already handed over 3,918 Chinese citizen including 185 women who were working in online scams to China from 31st October to 21st November 2023.

CNI News

23 November 2023

Pyin Oo Lwin- Naunghkio-Kyaukme Road, part of the Mandalay-Muse Union Road that was destroyed by the TNLA/PDF joint forces has been already repaired and that road could be normally used, the State Administration Council stated.

The TNLA/PDF joint forces had blocked the road by digging ditches and by chopping trees and by piling earth up on the road in a place near Shwe Nyaung Bin, a place near Legyin Gway Village, a place near Omkha Village, a place near the Goattwin Viewpoint, a place at a Naungpat fork in the road and seven places between Naungpit and Naung Pein Villages in Naunghkio Township.

After that, the SAC repaired the road, conducting security starting from 6th November. So,  people can go to Pyin Oo Lwin, Naunghkio and Kyaukme normally at present.

When the Pyin Oo Lwin-Naunghkio-Kyaukme road had been destroyed by the TNLA/PDF joint forces

" Because we can use the road again like before, it's convenient for the residents like us. We will be able to control the high prices again. When the economy was in trouble, it was a bit of a relief to be able to trade again." said a Kyaukme resident to CNI News.

After participating in the Operation-1027 led by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the TNLA/PDF joint forces have been fighting against the Tatmadaw in Naunghkio, Kyaukme, Thibaw, Namkham, Lashio Townships starting from 27th October 2023. 

And then, the joint forces destroyed and blocked the road so that the Tatmadaw could not provide reinforcements from the Mandalay side However, the Tatmadaw has been able to control the road between Pyin Oo Lwin and Kyaukme again and the road could be used normally, the SAC stated.

CNI News

23 November, 2023

The battles are severely breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State and locals are facing with more difficulties, locals told CNI News. Due to the battles, roads and waterways have been closed in Rakhine State. So, it was difficult to get around for health issues and the flow of goods also has stopped, a local from Rathedaung Township told CNI News.

"Because the roads and waterways have been closed when the battles are severely taking place now, we are finding it difficult for health issues. If you have to transport the patients who will undergo surgery or emergency patients, you might need to use road or waterway. So, locals get into trouble. As the roads and waterways have been closed, the commodity prices have risen exponentially. And because the flow of goods has stopped at all, goods are almost out of stock."

While seeing the Myanmar Tatmadaw's ordnance corps

After the battles between the Tatmadaw and AA resumed in Rathedaung, Kyauktaw and Minbya Townships on 13th November, roads and waterways have been closed. At present, all the trades have stopped. Pauktaw Town are being fired by heavy weapons, a Sittwe resident told CNI News.

" Local people are facing with various kinds of difficulties. There is no transportation. There is no more trading as well. It's not convenient for us to receive medical treatment. The big weapons have been shooting at Pauktaw from over Sittwe City since yesterday. The whole city has been quiet. Everyone is worried.  Because big guns are being shot from over us. Cannonballs may come to us." he said.

At present, battles are severely breaking out in Pauktaw and residents of the town have fled to safety. Firing heavy weapons into non-combat areas should not conducted, said a resident of Rathedaung.

While seeing IDPs

" Firing heavy weapons into non-combat areas is too bad. Because of firing heavy weapons into non-combat areas on purpose, the people have to displace unnecessarily." he said.

At present, the battles are taking place between the AA and the Tatmadaw in Rathedaung, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Mrauk U, Pauktaw and Maungdaw Townships, Rakhine State and in  Paletwa Township, Chin State.

Moreover, in cooperation with other armed groups, the AA is fighting against the Tatmadaw in Sagaing Region and northern Shan State.