CNI News

7 March 2024

The Arakan Army (AA) could shape its goal after the three northern armed groups aka the Three Brotherhood Alliance (MNDAA,TNLA and AA) implemented the Operation-1027, U Myo Kyaw from the United Nationalities Alliance, told CNI News.

The AA could shape its goal, confederation and it could carry out administration, legislation and judiciary in the territories that it has captured, he said.

" The AA has expressed the word, confederation since before. They want the confederate that is not less that the status the Wa group has won. We have to keep a close watch on the situation. After the Operation-1027, their goal has been shaped. In other words, they can do a lot in their territory. It's impossible for the Tatmadaw to re-enter the places that it has retreated. We have to watch how the AA will shape a government." he said.

While seeing the AA force

At present, battles are severely breaking out between the AA and the Tatmadaw in Rakhine State and local people are fleeing to safety. The AA made a lot of profit during the Operation-1027 that was launched on 27th October, 2023 and the AA was making efforts to control anymore of territories, Dr.Aung Myo, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" The AA made a lot of profit from the Operation-1027. Although the Operation-1027 was finished, its goal has not yet been achieved. The TNLA and the MNDAA have just been able to take a foothold from the operation. Because the AA hasn't, it'll have to go on. Its movement doesn't stop, we have to say like this." he said.

The AA had no plan to break away from the union and establish a separate country; the AA had aimed to establish a state that is not lower than the confederation status, said Khaing Thukha, spokesperson of the AA at the press conference held on 4th March 2024.

While seeing Khaing Thukha, information officer of the AA

" We haven't had any plan to build a separate country up to now. We have revealed clearly that we want to get a status that is not lower than the confederation. We won't ask our enemy to get it. We will continue to carry out to surely get it by ourselves." said Khaing Thukha.

Establishing or not establishing a separate country was directly proportional to whether or not they could live together. Moreover, unhappy situation despite living together and the situation in which their people were arrested, tortured and killed must be considered, he said.

After the Operation-1027 was launched, the AA has seized control of Pauktaw, Kyauktaw, Myebon, Mrauk U, Taung Pyo Letwe, Minbya, Ponnagyun Towns in Rakhine State and Paletwa and Samee Towns in Chin State.

CNI News

7 March 2024

The current harvesting fee for summer and winter rice paddy has increased by more than 30,000 kyats, according to farmers. 

Although harvesting fee for summer rice paddy was about 100,000 kyats per acre last year, the fee currently has been from 130,000 to 150,000 kyats. However, the price of paddy was about 16 lakh kyats per 100 baskets last year and at present, the price has been 22 lakh kyats. 

So, harvesting fee also increased, U Thein Aung, chairman of the Farmer Development Association, told CNI News.

"It's no wonder because in the past, harvesting fee was equal to the price of 8 baskets of paddy. Although the fee has increased, it's not more than the price of 8 baskets of paddy now. In comparison with the price of paddy, you can't say the harvesting fee is expensive. At a time like this last year, Thukha (kind of paddy) became about 16 lakhs. But its price has been 22 lakh kyats now. The price of paddy has gone up by 6 lakh kyats on average.”he said.

While harvesting rice

Winter paddy is currently harvested and farmers have started harvesting summer paddy in Ayeyarwady Region. Starting from April, summer paddy will be reaped in all townships reportedly.

Although the cost of harvesting and threshing increased, because the price of rice received by farmers was higher than before, farmers didn't make a loss, said farmers. In the past, because the harvesting was conducted by manpower, it was costlier than at present. In the same way, because the machine maintenance costs are also rising, the current harvesting fee is reasonable, U Aye Naing, a farmer from Bogale Township, told CNI News.

While harvesting rice

" Farmers in Dedaye, Kungyangon and Pyapon have started reaping summer rice. The cost of harvesting and threshing has increased. Maybe it's from 1.2 to 1.5 lakh kyats. It's lower than the price of 10 baskets of grain. So, you can't say that the fee for harvesting and threshing is expensive. 100 baskets of grain can be produced from one acre on which additional cultivation is conducted. We can sell 100 baskets of grain at 20 lakh kyats. If we hire a harvester and thresher machine, it costs us less than using manpower." he said.

The yield of summer grain is good this year and 100 baskets of grain can be produced from an acre. So, although the cost for cultivation on an acre was 15 lakh kyats, according to the current price of grain, farmers can make a profit of 500,000 kyats per acre, said farmers.

CNI News

7 March 2024

The three northern allied groups aka Three Brotherhood Alliance (MNDAA,TNLA and AA) have already signed the ceasefire agreement in northern Shan State, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) announced on 6th March, 2024.

The ceasefire agreement between the National and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) of the State Administration Council (SAC) and the Three Brotherhood Alliance was signed in China on 11th January 2024.

" The Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF) signed the Haigin Ceasefire Agreement between the Myanmar military council and the Three Brotherhood Alliance together with its allies with the mediation of China on 11th January 2024 and has conducted ceasefire in the northern parts including Ta'ang region." the TNLA stated.

The three northern allied groups (MNDAA, TNLA and AA) launched the Operation-1027 on 27th October, 2023 and fought against the Tatmadaw's military camps in northern Shan State after which they captured Kokang, Konkyan, Phanugsai, Kunlong, Chin Shwe Haw, Kyucote, Theinni, Kutkai, Namkham, Nansang, Mantong, Namtu and Mong Ngor Townships.

The Three Brotherhood Alliance met and discussed with the SAC on 7th,8th and 9th December, 2023 for the first time and on 23rd December 2023 for the second time and in January, 2024 for the third time and on 1st to 2nd March, 2024.

At present, the TNLA has seized control of Namkham, Mantong, Nansang, Kutkai, Mong Ngor, Namtu and Theinni, and is building administration in the towns. Moreover, the TNLA has demanded the SAC to recognize 12 townships as the territories controlled by the TNLA reportedly.

Taking into account the stability of the socio-economic life of the local people, they went on carrying out the process of ceasefire and conflict reduction, said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of the SAC on 4th March 2024.

CNI News

7 March 2024

A large number of Myanmar people entered illegally Thailand through the border gates of the two countries and were arrested, those who are helping in the affairs of migrant workers told CNI News. 

Although most Myanmar people sneaked into Thailand through Phayathonsu and Myawady-Maesot gateways in the past, Kawthaung-Ranong border gates are being used just now and security operation has been tightened more in the border areas, Ko Thargyi, a person who is helping in the affairs of migrant workers, told CNI News.

" One or two days ago, nearly 100 people were arrested and they were carried on six wheel trucks from Ranong-Kawthaung. Security is more strict at the Maesot-Myawady border area. Check points have become more. There are arrests almost everyday. Not only Myawady-Maesot, other gates such as Phayathonsu, Ranong-Kawthaung, Mae Sai-Tachileik, are also used by a lot of Myanmar people to sneak into Thailand." he said.

While authorities have detained those who entered illegally

Although entering another country illegally was not encouraged, those who sneaked in for many reasons needed to beware of unscrupulous brokers and it was necessary to be careful so as to evade arrests, suggested those who are helping in the affairs of foreign migrant workers. Moreover, Thai authorities are checking factories and workshops and if illegal workers there are found there, they are being arrested reportedly.

Because too many Myanmar people are entering the Thai side, rental fees for hostels and houses are increasing and some are finding it difficult for accommodation, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the FED, told CNI News.

" Especially, accommodation difficulty takes place in the region such as Maesot. An accommodation whose rental fee was 1,000 baht in the past must be paid 3,000 baht now. The places to be rented have been scarce really. Because of having to report the guest list, it's not easy to rent accommodations. Headmen, local police and authorities are scrutinizing guests." he said.

Moreover, Thai immigration officers are tightening the entry of Myanmar citizens with a border pass whose validity is seven days and instant entry is not allowed. They are allowed to enter only when legal residents recommend reportedly.

CNI News

6 March 2024

The question is being raised among political and military observers if the declaration of martial law by the State Administration Council in Nansang, Mang Ton and Namtu Townships, northern Shan State was aimed to fight against the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). 

The commander of the Northeastern Command empowered to exercise the martial law in the territory of the command including Mantong, Nansang and Namtu townships in order to carry out more effectively security, rule of law, peace and stability in the territory under the section-419 of the constitution, which the SAC stated on 4th March, 2024.

The commander or his military territorial commanders who are handed over responsibilities by the commander could exercise the martial law, said in the statement. 

While seeing the TNLA force

The declaration of martial law was making preparation to re-capture the townships that the TNLA had captured, U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" There are not security forces of the SAC in these regions while the commander of the Northern Command has been empowered to exercise the martial law. The commander is still in Lashio. According to the martial law, the commander will impose the laws and conduct trials. The intension of the martial law is that the Tatmadaw has prepared in order to re-capture the territories that it lost control of when the opportunity comes sometime in the future." he said.

 The martial law did not come under pressure because the TNLA was conducting administration, judiciary and legislation in these three townships, he added. On 28th February, 2024, the martial law was declared in Momeik and Mabein Townships, northern Shan State.

While seeing the TNLA force

The martial law has been declared in the 61 townships of Myanmar until on 4th March 2024, according to Data for Myanmar. Some people in the townships are worried that fighting will happen again because of this law. However, the townships are in a regular situation, a Palaung politician, told CNI News.

"For the time being, people in Namtu, Nansang and Mantong are just staying calm. It's normal. The TNLA has not prepared anything. They think that Palaung people mainly live in these three towns only." he said.

The TNLA has captured Namkham, Nansang, Mantong, Mong Lon, Namtu, Mong Ngor and Kutkai during the Operation-1027 that was launched on 27th October, 2023 by the Three Brotherhood Alliance.

CNI News

6 March 2024

The two governments of Myanmar and China only will manage the border trade and gates, said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of the State Administration Council.

The National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee of the SAC met and discussed with the three northern alliance groups (MNDAA, TNLA and AA) in Kunming, China from 1st to 2nd March 2024.

After that, the news came out that the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) would take 70 percent of customs duty and the government, 30 percent in the territory that the MNDAA has seized control of especially in the Kokang region from the management of border trade and gates. However, those pieces of news were just false news and if there were armed groups on the border trade route, the border trade couldn't be reopened, which was discussed only.

"As the number one, national territory of our country and sovereignty will continue to firmly exist. As the number two, we are carrying out a ceasefire and conflict reduction process in view of the stability of the socio-economic life of the local people. As the number three, the stability of the border region, rule of law, management of border gates and trade will be under those of the governments of the two countries." said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun.

The three northern groups implemented the Operation-1027 and has seized control of Laukkai, Kon Kyan, Kyucote, Kunlong, Phaungsai, Chin Shwe Haw, Namtu, Hopang, Theinni, Kutkai, Namkham, Nansang, Mantong and Mong Ngor Towns.

In the same way, battles have been breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State since November, 2023 and the AA has captured Paletwa Township in Chin State and Mrauk U, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Minbya, Kyauktaw, and Ponnagyun Townships in Rakhine State.

Because of these attacks and territorial control, China-Myanmar border trade cannot be opened, the two countries are losing millions of dollars every day. There were some reports that the SAC had to recognize the territorial control at the fourth meeting held from 1st to 2nd March. However, the point regarding recognition was not included in the discussion and the SAC demanded the three northern groups to retreat their troops from the territories they had captured at the meeting.  

The pieces of news that the SAC recognized the territorial control were wrong and they were discussing strengthening the ceasefire, said Dr.Nyo Tun Aung, Deputy Commander in Chief of the AA at the press conference held on 4th March, 2024.

CNI News

6 March 2024

Malaysia will close the entry of migrant workers on 31st May at the latest, Malaysian authorities stated on 1st March 2024.

Migrant workers must submit their visa applications on 31st March, 2024 at the latest, said in the statement. It was possible because there was no need to recruit new workers, U Myat Thu, general secretary of the Myanmar Overseas Employment Agencies Federation (MOEAF), told CNI News.

" Their government has designated that people who have got calling and demand letters will have to be submitted on 31st March 2024 at the latest. And they will have to leave the country on 31st May, 2024 at the latest. Malaysia closes the entry of migrant workers because they don't need anymore." he said.

While seeing migrant workers

At the meeting of the joint committee of the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs and the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources, the statement was released by the directive of the minister for home affairs reportedly. If there were migrant workers who did not submit their visa applications on the deadline, job quotas would be canceled, said in the statement.

So, if workers were being called like there were demand letters after 31st March, they would be lies, U Win Myint, managing director of Lucky Overseas Employment Agency, told CNI News.

"There are too many scams in Myanmar. So, you must be careful. As soon as calling is closed, those who have submitted visa applications for jobs only will leave for Malaysia. There will be no more demand letters after 31st March 2024. You will have no jobs in Malaysia. The Malaysian government will allow those who are included in the list of workers to work legally in Malaysia. Those who are late will lose all prepaid expenses including levy." he said.

While seeing migrant workers

It was necessary to review labor quotas given to each country that has taken the agreement because the economy in Malaysia was volatile, said Malaysian authorities at the press conference held on 26th January 2024. So, the state might be related to what Malaysian authorities said at the news conference.

However, many Myanmar citizens are entering Malaysia illegally everyday and at the same time, many Myanmar citizens are being arrested everyday reportedly. Moreover, undocumented foreigners including Myanmar citizens and overstayers have been allowed to go home after paying a fine designated.

CNI News

5 March 2024

They wouldn't secede and they would build to get a confederate state at least, said U Khaing Thukha, spokesperson of the Arakan Army (AA). He said the above at the press conference held online on 4th March, 2024.

" We won't secede. We have said clearly that we must get the confederation at least. We won't ask anyone to win the political objective that we want. We will carry out the guarantee by ourselves." he said.

The AA is implementing the Way of Rakhita and a Rakhine ethnic armed group that is waging armed attacks, aiming to get a confederation status and expecting to get an independent state. The confederation status that the AA means is like the United Wa State Army (UWSA) having the level of administrative power.

At present, the AA is fighting against the Tatmadaw in Rakhine State and has seized control of Mrauk U, Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Kyauktaw and Ponnagyun Towns.

While seeing Khaing Thukha

In the same way, the AA has already captured Paletwa Town in Chin State. Moreover, Battles are breaking out near Ranbye, Ann and Sittwe. The AA is carrying out administration and judiciary issues in the territories that it has captured. 

Delegates of the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee of the State Administration Council met and discussed with the three northern groups including the AA in Kunming, China on 1st and 2nd March.

They mainly discussed the stationing of troops in the places where they arrived and the ceasefire reportedly.

CNI News

5 March 2024

Several border places between Moreh, Manipur State, India and Tamu, Sagaing Region, Myanmar have been re-opened for a limited time, reportedly from residents of Tamu. Kumar Gate, Petan Gate, Shiva Gate and David Gate are opened from 06:00 a.m to 09:00 a.m. or from 06:00 a.m. to 01:00 p.m.

After communal riots broke out in Manipur, India, Tamu locals were prohibited from coming and selling goods. The reason why some gates were re-opened was because the people from the Indian side wanted petai beans that have already emerged in Tamu, Ko Min Ko, a person who go from Tamu to Moreh to sell goods, told CNI News.

" The gates are not legally opened. The Indian side has opened, but you can enter from the places they have designated. Official gates agreed by the two countries have been closed for a long time. They have not been open as yet. But now, have petai beans already appeared in Tamu? The people from the Indian side want petai beans. They open some gates for petai beans. But they open not every day. If this place is closed today, the other place is open." he said.

Tamu-Moreh border stone

Kalay-Tamu- Kalaywa border trade gate, official gateway of Myanmar - India bilateral trade has been closed since the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak. In fact, some border places have been opened with mutual understanding. Only when the Indian side opens, the people from Myanmar side can sell goods. Because some border trade gates have been opened, petai beans produced in Tamu can be sold on the Indian side. But they can be sold only on the basis of limited time. They could not be sold at a good price, Ko Maung Win, a trader from Tamu, told CNI News.

" It is convenient. By we can't sell petai beans at a good price. Now they don't buy a lot of petai beans. Because they open some places sometimes, it's a little convenient. Petai beans traders thought in the early days that they couldn't sell petai beans. When the patai beans really appear, Indian people buy petai beans again. But the price is reduced because we have to sell for a limited time." he said.

The sign of Nanphalon Market in Tamu

At present, consumer goods and food products that come from Monywa and Mandalay have not been able to be exported to India through the Tamu border because of difficult transportation. Only the products produced in Tamu can be sold and some products only are imported from India.

Battles are breaking out on the way before getting to Tamu, It is still not convenient for trucks to travel. The people have to travel on the forest roads by motorcycle, said traders.