CNI News
5 May 2024

Myanmar political circles and youths are asking a question regarding why the State Administration Council has suspended allowing men to go and work abroad. The SAC officially expressed the suspension to the media.

The people's military service law, lack of domestic employment opportunities and territorial instability might be related to the suspension, a politician told CNI News.

" There may be various reasons for that. At present, there are also many people who avoid the conscription law although they might serve in the military. Secondly, there is a lack of domestic job opportunities. As a third reason, there are no territorial stabilities. Now the people from Monywa and Pale, especially those who don't support the NLD party can't live in their villages anymore. If they go back to their villages for a short time as a visit after they moved to Mandalay, regional PDF ask them 150,000 kyats at the border area between Myaing and Pale. And then, the village PDF asks 100,000 or 150,000 kyats. On top of that, they have to pay 30,000 kyats a month for PDFs. So, many people don't go back to their native villages." he said.

Because of political changes that began on 1st February 2021, lots of youths went abroad to work. Moreover, due to the people's military service law that was imposed by the SAC, the public's concern became higher and Myanmar people are crossing the border line and illegally entering neighboring countries especially Thailand daily not to mention legally entering.

According to the People's Military Service Law, while seeing those attending military training

Because the number of youths who go abroad is increasing due to the conscription law, men probably have been banned from going abroad to work, U Kyi Myint, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" It has already occurred like that in Russia. Because the conscription law had been imposed, Russian youths ran away by the lakh, but the Russian government didn't stop them, saying that they were not patriotic. But two weeks later, the number of youths sharply decreased. So, the Russian government ordered that anyone must not leave Russia. Now as well, the SAC is following Russia. The SAC announced that there are 7.6 million girls and 6.4 million young men who can serve in the military in Myanmar. It summoned 5,000 men for the first batch. But it didn't get to the full. Recruits can't be summoned officially. The SAC's military officers and other ranks go to homes of the people and arrest young men to recruit by force. At last, the SAC ordered not to allow men to leave the country as the Russian government did. Russia is at war with Ukraine. But here in Myanmar the war is the one that the people of the country will have to fight against one another. No one wants to fight. The number of those killed has increased as well." he said.

According to the People's Military Service Law, while seeing those attending military training

The SAC approved the People's Military Service law and recruited 5,000 young men in April and got over 5,000 young men after which military training courses are being given to the young men reportedly.

Because of armed conflict taking place within the country, political disagreement, job scarcity and low-paid basic salary, lots of youths have gone and worked abroad. So, Myanmar could face a shortage of human resources, pointed out a politician.

CNI News
4 May 2024

Although the news saying that anymore of close supervision regarding official monthly remittance of 25 percent of basic salary from Myanmar workers in foreign countries would be conducted came out, there was no plan to do so, the Migrant Worker Branch of the Ministry of Labor told CNI News.

At present, those who would go abroad to work had just contracted with overseas employment agencies to officially transfer 25 percent of basic salary to their families, assistant director of the Migrant Worker Branch told CNI News.

" We haven't been able to make a system that can exercise close supervision at once. Myanmar migrant workers who went abroad with contract haven't come back yet. It's difficult for us to monitor whether they have transferred already or not. Because we are still making an application to monitor, we are collaborating with the Central Bank of Myanmar to know when the workers transferred. For the time being, things are as in the contract. When a worker tries to go abroad again, if he cannot show any evidence that he had officially transferred in the past, when he applies for an OWIC card, whether he transferred or not will show up on our system because the system runs with biometric and data server." he said.

Because a point saying Myanmar migrant workers who would go abroad must officially transfer 25 percent of their basic salaries to their families in Myanmar must be included in the contracts signed by agencies and workers starting from September 2023, workers would be allowed to go abroad again only if they could show the evidence that they had transferred officially, according to the Migrant Worker Branch.

If they couldn't show any evidence, they would be banned to go abroad to work for three years, said the branch.

However, pieces of news - the Ministry of Labor has directed Myanmar migrant workers must officially transfer 25 percent of their basic salaries and the ministry was planning to ensure that Myanmar workers actually comply with the instructions came out.

" If they exercise close supervision anymore, we'll suspend our business. Myanmar workers could or could not transfer money. We have sent lots of Myanmar workers. We can't go and sit monitoring whether they transfer money or not. Our business is to send workers abroad. that has nothing to do with banking activity." said an official from an overseas employment agency, to CNI News.

Myanmar migrant workers could officially send 25 percent of their basic salaries thrice a month reportedly.

The number of workers who officially transfer 25 percent of their basic salaries depends on the ups and downs of the foreign currency prices designated by the Central Bank reportedly.

If there was not a very wide gap between the foreign currency prices designated by the Central Bank and the market prices, the number of workers who officially transfer money would increase, pointed out some people.

CNI News

4 May 2024

The Brigade-614 of the Shanni National Army completed its No.2 Batch.9 basic military training and its graduation was held somewhere in a liberated area on 2nd May 2024 reportedly.

The SNA is a Shanni EAO that is making an effort to gain Shanni State that contains Bamo, Myitkyina, Mohnyin, Mogaung, Indawgyi in Kachin State as well as Kalay, Tamu, Homalin, Katha, Mawlike, Banmauk, Phaungbyin, Kawlin, Wuntho, Pinlebu in Sagaing Region.

Battles are currently breaking out between the SNA and the KIA/PDF joint forces in Homalin, Banmauk, Shwe Pyi Aye, Phaungbyin, Mohnyin, Mogaung, Indaw and Pharkant.
 

CNI News

3 May 2024

Battles are taking place between the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) and the Chin National Front (CNF/CNA) in Tedim Township, Chin State reportedly.

The battles have been breaking out along the Myanmar-Mizoram State, India Trade Route and near Laithwee Village until today, Puzothang, Eastern Division Director from the ZRA told CNI News.

" They come and fight against us. They invaded our territory. In fact, we have no mind to fight against them. When we had deployed our forces for security in our territory, they came and fought against us. Some of our forces were injured. At the time when I'm speaking now, the battles are breaking out. We can confirm that their two forces were killed and our two forces were injured but not seriously." he said.

It was good to wage the democratic revolution, but fighting to invade others' territory was not good, he added.

While seeing the CNF force

Taking advantage of the period when battles are currently breaking, Chinland Council troops led by the CNF was carrying out military movements to capture the territories that Chin brothers have controlled and if the CNF continued its territorial invasions, unity among the Chin people could disintegrate and lead to bloodshed, six groups of Chin Brothers stated on 1st May, 2024.

Territorial disputes among revolutionary groups in Chin State might weaken the participation of Chin State in the Spring Revolution, U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" To tell you the truth, most of territories in Chin State have been dominated by Chin armed groups. It's right. But there are about 14 Chin armed groups in Chin State before they could drive out all of the military council's forces from Chin State. Because there are lots of disagreements and disputes among Chin armed groups, the pace of Chin State's attacks on the military council has declined considerably. Moreover, some Chin groups don't like that the Arakan Army (AA) has captured Paletwa Town, Chin State. Because of the problems that emerged like that, Chin State's participation in the Spring Revolution becomes weak." he said.

Although CNI News contacted Salai Htet Ni, spokesperson of the CNF by phone to know more about fighting in Tedim, it has not been able to get in touch with him. 

While seeing the ZRA force

" In fact, we are all brothers in Chin State. If you stay in your place and join the revolution, as we have expected, the military dictatorship will end. Otherwise, if Chin armed groups are fighting against one another, we couldn't enjoy peace. Every group should try to prevent from further fighting. The CNA should not invade other groups' territories. According to the current policy of ours, we are controlling ourselves. But if they are going to conduct in a racist manner, it can lead to a bad side. They are saying that we are collaborating with the military government on media for the sake of their interests. But they might not success to an extent. Later they have to reap what they sow." he said.

Battles often break out between the ZRA and the CNF/CNA in Chin State. The ZRA is active in Tonzang, Tedim Townships in Chin State as well as  Kalay, Tamu Townships in Sagaing Region, Kabaw valley region and on the India-Myanmar border areas.

The CNF is a Chin EAO that has signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and its headquarters is located in Thangtlang Township. It is active in Hakha, Tedim and Matupi.

CNI Article

3 May 2024

Myawaddy, a small beautiful town, dreamt about the apparent nature of a war although it could not be known whether it was a beautiful dream or a dreadful one. 

In that dream, battles were severely took place between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and armed groups of the opposition elements in and around Myawaddy.

After the Thin Gan Nyi Naung military camp of the Myanmar Tatmadaw, near Myawaddy was captured, armed forces of the opposition elements launched an offensive in order to capture Myawaddy when the No. 275 Infantry, the Myawaddy City Guard, had to retreat to the vicinity of the Thai-Myanmar No.(2) Friendship Bridge.

On the other hand, the civilians who lived in Myawaddy were suffering from heat of grief and had to cross the river and ran away to the Thai side, carrying their children on their backs.

While armed forces of the opposition were able to enter a military camp of the Tatmadaw in Myawaddy

These incidents were ceaselessly reported by The Reporter, a Thai News Agency and when the security forces of the Myanmar Tatmadaw were no more in Myawaddy, the opposition forces seized the control of the town and were patrolling for security, which the news agency reported.

When the opposition forces had controlled the headquarters of the No.275 Infantry, Mr.Thapanee Eadsrichai went to the headquarters and took photos of the ground situation including raising the KNU flag after which they were broadcast by the news agency.

Those who watched those images online believed that Myawaddy had been captured by the opposition forces because the opposition elements applied the news media and propaganda at the same time while they were waging battles, and were able to persuade the public mind.

While Mr.Thapanee Eadsrichai, a reporter from the Reporter arrived in the No.275 Infantry Battalion and was taking photos

The date when the people saw online that the opposition forces were able to control Myawaddy was 15th April, 2024. That day was only a date of dream when the opposition forces reported or stated that they had seized control of Myawaddy.

When I woke up scarily from that small beautiful dream and got up and looked out of the window, I had to know that Aung Zeya Operation led by Vice Sr-Gen Soe Win was being implemented to ensure that Myanmar Tatmadaw could seize control of Myawaddy; that Myanmar Tatmadaw could regain control of Thin Gan Nyi Naung military camp and in order to send military reinforcements to the No.275 Infantry.

After that, battles broke out severely in and around Myawaddy and along the Kawkareik Road going to Myawaddy and the KNU/PDF joint forces retreated after which the Myanmar Tatmadaw regained the control of Myawaddy and raised the national flag at the No.275 Infantry, Myawaddy City Guard.

The reason why the Myanmar Tatmadaw was able to regain the control of Myawaddy was because there were disagreements among the leaders of the KNU, said a KNU leader.

While the Myanmar Tatmadaw was re-hoisting the national flag at the No.275 Infantry Battalion

" Most of the KNU leaders and the Karen National Army (KNA) were worried that the stability would be damaged and they were also worried that the friendship with Thailand would be damaged. Some leaders of the KNU wanted to capture Myawaddy. So, there were disagreements among the leaders. Moreover, locals were also worried that the town would be ruined." he said.

Because Myawaddy Town is the main gate for the Thai-Myanmar trade and the trade value is several million dollars each day, some leaders of the KNU were worried that the friendship between the two governments would be broken. So, the KNLA/PDF joint forces retreated reportedly.

Moreover, because some leaders of the KNU had understood that peace talks must be conducted with the Myanmar Tatmadaw sometime in the future, the KNU made a decision to lift the operation that would control Myawaddy, explained a person close to the KNU.

However, the NUG and the PDF, opposition elements, wanted to try to go on controlling other regions after seizing control of Myawaddy. So, they have different ways of thinking from some of the KNU leader, he explained.

Some KNU leaders who are eager to control Myawaddy envied the military success of Operation-1027 waged by the AA, the TNLA and the MNDAA and their battles that could capture territories and the leaders had a burning desire to control Myawaddy, said a dissident who has arrived on the Thai border.

While seeing the national flag of Myanmar

" EAOs and the NUG like " You take the territory that you can capture" form. So, they waged battles to capture Myawaddy. To be able to do so, a powerful country supported them. Humanitarian financial assistance given by the powerful country became weapons. At that time, some KNU leaders imagined to do as northern EAOs did. Opposition elements were also encouraged. They brough some journalists and stated they had captured Myawaddy. But the geographical position is different from northern Shan State. Some KNU leaders had different ways of thinking from other leaders. So, the KNLA/PDF joint forces retreated." he said.

To control Myawaddy was a big goal of the revolutionary forces and opposition elements. Moreover, it was a big dream of theirs for the future.

Because the Myanmar Tatmadaw had understood that Myawaddy might be a decision for the country, it might attempt to go on controlling Myawaddy in various ways, explained a person close to the Myanmar Tatmadaw. And then, the Thai-Myanmar No.2 Friendship Bridge decided for the country.

The role of the Karen National Army that was transformed from the BGF was very important to the decision, said a member of the opposition elements.

In Myanmar, democratic movements break into pieces when economic sanction on Myanmar could not make the administration disintegrate. 

While seeing the Myawaddy Trade Zone

That is to say, the economic crisis alone could not make the administration disintegrate. 
Moreover, if the democratic elements of the opposition were not strong, they would have to depend on a powerful government such as Beijing or Washington and they would have to stay under the influence of that government.

So, Myanmar might be trapped in the conflict of the two powerful countries and it could become a country that gets worse than one whose politics and economy are unstable, which everyone should take care of.

In any case at present, there have been agreements to keep Myawaddy as a non-combat economic zone, to allow the No.275 Infantry resettle at the original place and to reinstate government employees from customs and immigration departments.

So, Myawaddy was just a small dream town of the opposition elements, those in the opposition at the border commented.

CNI News
1 May 2024

Although the number of licensed overseas employment agencies has been nearly 560,  the number of agencies that actually operate is just a few, according to overseas employment agencies and those carrying out for the migrant workers affairs, told CNI News.

Although there were over 300 overseas employment agencies only after 2021, the number of agencies increases until 560 in April, 2024.

Because the agencies were not strictly scrutinized, only nominal agencies increased rather than the agencies actually operating, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED), told CNI News.

" To tell the truth, the agencies have had the upper hand since the coup took place. According to workers, they hired an agency at 15 lakh kyats, for example. If the workers didn't come at the time of appointment, the agencies said to the workers," Don't you go abroad for work at 15 lakh kyats? Those who are waiting in line to go abroad at 16 lakh kyats." So, the number of agencies that want to do nominally has increased. If they can't send workers, there is a percentage that workers have to submit to the agencies in advance since the registration was made." he said.

While seeing the labor office

Because the number of people who wanted to go abroad has increased after 2021, overseas employment agencies could make money easily. In addition to opening an agency in the name of an individual, its family members also established agencies reportedly.

Although the number of agencies increased until two times within two years, old agencies only mainly were operating, an official from an overseas employment agency, told CNI News.

" There are 560 agencies, but the number of agencies that are actually operating not over 100 agencies. Although there are about 400 agencies that send workers to Thailand. But they can operate only if they have things to do. But we have worked for years and we have loyal customers. It doesn't make any difference to us." she said.

Some nominal overseas employment agencies sent workers to Thailand without responsibility and accountability. And there were also human trafficking's, those who are helping migrant workers told CNI News.

While seeing the labor office

There have been still problems when sending MoU workers, U Tun Win Naing, chairman of the Migrant Workers Rights Network (MWRN), told CNI News.

"Many MoU workers coming from Myanmar for construction site complained that they didn't get resignation letters; workshops kept passports their passports and employers didn't pay fully. We had to hand over two groups to the Myanmar Embassy." he said.

there were many liars who pretended to be licensed agencies because agencies have increased a lot.

So, the Ministry of Labor should scrutinize the agencies and the agencies that could not send workers abroad for long should be taken action against by suspending license, they pointed out.

CNI News
1 May 2024

There are shortages of fuel and basic foodstuffs in Putao, Kachin State and the prices are increasing exponentially as well, according to locals.

The road between Myitkyina and Putao has been closed for about two months because of battles that broke out between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Myanmar Tatmadaw on that road. So, commodities didn't enter Putao anymore, said locals.

At present, in Putao, a gallon of gasoline is paid about 100,000 kyats; a barrel of diesel, 22 lakh kyats and a bag of rice, 2.5 lakh kyats. Moreover, green groceries, kitchen grocery crops and dried noodle have been out of stock reportedly.

With higher price of diesel, because it was difficult to buy it, it was not convenient for agricultural industry, U Bran Shaung, a resident of Putao, told CNI News.

While the fuel is being put in a tank

" Gasoline is available in some places, I think. But its price is nearly 100,000 kyats a gallon. Gasoline is mainly used for motorcycles to travel. If you cannot buy gasoline, you'll have to go on foot like in the past. It's not very convenient for those who didn't buy diesel in advance to do the agricultural work. But some people get the diesel, I heard. But the price is so high. The price went up until 18 to 22 lakh kyats about two weeks ago. But I don't know the price now." he said.

Because the current period is the time when the locals are working in the farm and upland plantations on a small scale, it is important to get fuel. Moreover, because the schools will reopen in the near future, fuel is needed, said locals.

Some social assistance associations are finding it difficult to exist anymore because it is difficult to get fuel and have stopped their work, a resident of Putao told CNI News.

While seeing people selling goods in Putao

" A man passed away a few days ago. About 20 people from the funeral service attended the funeral. Some smaller funeral services are no more. Fuel is needed to carry out a matter of life and death. In any case, if the road is reopened, it will be convenient." he said.  

Because workers are finding it difficult in transportation due to hard availability of fuel and some of them have to stop their work. Despite the news that the Myitkyina - Putao section would be reopened in a few days, it was not clear when it would be, said locals.

That road is mainly important to the Putao region and if it is reopened, commodity prices will decline.

CNI News
1 May 2024

Vice Sr-Gen SoeWin, Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) and Deputy Commander in Chief of the Defense Services reappeared in public view on 29th April 2024.

It has been nearly one month since he disappeared from public view. He went to the Tatmadaw Hospital in Mawlamyine and met the officers and other ranks receiving treatment there on 29th April.

The SAC broadcast the news of that meeting at 8:00 p.m. on 29th April. Lt-Gen Nyunt Win Swe, Commander of the No-2 Special Operation Team, Deputy Chief of the Military Security Affairs, Commander of the Southeastern Command and military senior officers were met together with Vice Senior General Soe Win.

Vice Sr-Gen Soe Win supervised the operation to regain the control of Myawaddy, Karen State, which was captured by the KNLA/PDF joint forces.

While holding a meeting to supervise the operation, revolutionary forces attacked with drones and because of that attack, Vice Sr-Gen Soe Win was wounded, which the revolutionary groups stated.

However, Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of the SAC responded to the claims that Vice Sr-Gen Soe Win was missing from the public view by saying that he was healthy and serving the duties.

CNI News
30 April 2024

Although the Pa-O self-administered region has become stable after the battles between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the revolutionary forces ceased, IDPs have not been able to go back to their native places reportedly.

Sesai Town that was damaged by the battles was being cleaned and some battles were breaking out in the border regions only, Saw Khun Kyaw Win, member of the central executive committee of the Pa-O National Organization (PNO), told CNI News.

" For the time being, most of the territories including Sesai and Maenal Mountain have become stable. Some battles are still breaking out in the border regions. To the best of my knowledge, some of IDPs ha gone home. But some have not been officially allowed to go home. Clearance processes including land mines are being carried out." he said.

The Myanmar Tatmadaw and the PNO have seized control of Sesai Town and the PNO might be militarily active in the No-6 Special Region; if there were other armed groups in their region, battles might break out, he said.

 While seeing the ruins of Sesai

The battles began between the PNO and the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA) in San Phu Village, Hopong Township in January, 2024.

Locals had to flee to safety because of battles between the Tatmadaw/PNO joint forces and the PNLA allies and Sesai was burned and damaged. At present, the people were finding it difficult to travel and facing crises, a local of Pa-O region, told CNI News.

" Mainly, the people can't travel smoothly. The transport was difficult even when we were in the village. It's very difficult to do business or trade at present. So, we, the people want peace. The rainy season will set in soon. We'll have to grow. For that, we'll have to make preparation. Because it' difficult to buy necessary things, we want to be peaceful." he said.

While seeing a PNLO comrade

There has not been a situation in which local people can go home safely. However, some of IDPs have gone home, said Saw Khun Kyaw Win.

" Almost the entire Sesai was damaged. I can't estimate how much damage in the rural area and villages. Sesai was mainly damaged. There might be a little damage in the southern part of Pinlaung. In Hopong Township and Maenal Mountain, monasteries and four or five villages were damaged. The monasteries were set fire." he said.

According to the 2008 Constitution, Pinlaung, Sesai and Hopong Townships were designated as the Pa-O Self-administered Region.