CNI News

March 17, 2026

A spokesperson for the Ta'ang Women's Organization (TWO) told CNI News that while leaders from the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) offered to negotiate, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) refused to meet.

She stated that an answer will likely only emerge if the leaders of the respective forces speak with one another at this time.

She said, "Leaders from the TNLA side reached out to negotiate with the military leaders on the other side. However, the leaders from the other side refused to meet. If they do not agree to negotiate, there are no other ways to find a path forward. I believe that if the leaders speak now, a solution will emerge. Currently, people are trapped in Kutkai and cannot leave yet. It is difficult for food and supplies to enter, and it is equally difficult for people to get out. Even for providing food and rations, the routes are impassable. Since the fighting hasn't ended, various routes in Kutkai are blocked. No one dares to travel—neither drivers nor the public. With the sound of drones and heavy artillery, everyone is in a state of anxiety. That is why they are trapped inside the town and cannot leave. There have also been civilian casualties."

Senior leadership of the MNDAA.

Tensions between the grassroots troops began on February 13, 2026, when TNLA members blocked MNDAA troops from installing CCTV surveillance cameras in Kutkai, northern Shan State. Regarding that incident, the MNDAA released a statement claiming that TNLA members raided and beat personnel at MNDAA administrative offices in Kutkai district on February 13, injuring some Kokang members. They also alleged that the TNLA has been conducting forced recruitment in the region and claimed that they reached out five times to resolve the recent conflicts, but were rejected.

From these tensions, the situation has escalated to the level of active combat between the TNLA and the MNDAA in the Kutkai township of northern Shan State. Following Operation 1027, the TNLA had controlled Kutkai, but it is reported that intense fighting broke out after the MNDAA began attacking on the morning of March 14. The MNDAA has been seizing TNLA camps, including those in the town area as well as Namphatka, Kyin San Kyawt, Tarmoenye, and Mong Si.

Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, an observer of China-Myanmar affairs, told CNI News that the MNDAA is likely focusing primarily on retaking Kutkai and will probably stop once they have secured the town.

Lieutenant General Tar Jock Jar of the TNLA.

She stated, "I think the MNDAA is focusing solely on getting Kutkai. Once they have it, I think they will stop. I haven't heard the TNLA say they will fight back; they seem to be talking about negotiating instead. They are speaking quite flexibly. So, it looks like they will eventually negotiate among themselves. Another thing I noticed is that a high-ranking Chinese official in charge of Myanmar affairs is currently in Nay Pyi Taw. I believe they will discuss a ceasefire. I don't think it will get too severe based on the TNLA's tone. Also, while the MNDAA is attacking with drones, I haven't heard of their ground troops being fully involved in the assault. Their strategy seems to be strictly focused on retaking Kutkai. The TNLA's strength has decreased significantly; they haven't been able to replenish their forces or finances since their operations. Early on during Operation 1027, it was the MNDAA that reinforced them. Therefore, I don't think this will escalate into a major war. There might be some clashes at the grassroots level, but it won't reach the stage of a full-scale battle."

Although the Kokang Army (MNDAA), the Ta'ang Army (TNLA), and the Arakkha Army (AA) are formed as the Three Brotherhood Alliance, territorial disputes and frequent friction between the MNDAA and TNLA continue to occur in northern Shan State. Currently, local sources report that while the MNDAA has taken positions at TNLA camp sites in Kutkai, the town remains silent with no pedestrians, and residents are trapped inside, unable to leave.

CNI News

March 17, 2026

Dr. Nyo Nyo Thinn, founder of the Yangon Watch group, told CNI News that the role of the military becomes elevated when a country’s powerful neighbor is not a democracy.

She stated that the military likely perceives a civilian government as being unable to protect national sovereignty when faced with threats from a highly populated country. Consequently, the military’s role is considered significant.

Dr. Nyo Nyo Thinn said, “Therefore, there are countries that believe the military's role must be higher than that of a civilian government. Our country is among them. Specifically, there is a powerful neighboring country that is not democratic. When such a large neighbor is not a democracy, the military’s role increases. Furthermore, that country poses a major threat to our national security. When bordering countries with high population densities threaten security, our situation may shift toward prioritizing security and the perpetuation of sovereignty. This is currently the case. In such circumstances, it is difficult to place the military under the control of a civilian government.”

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese President Xi Jinping seen together.

Military and political analysts point out that while democratic standards dictate that a nation’s military should be under civilian rule, these standards are not always met, depending on the democratic reforms of various countries worldwide.

Currently, the Myanmar military has been governing the country for five years after ousting the NLD government in 2021 for attempting to form a government without resolving disputes over voter lists. Following the political changes in 2021, armed organizations have multiplied, and armed conflicts have become larger and more widespread.

U Li Paw Reh, Chairman of the Lisu National Development Party (Dulei Party), told CNI News that if internal peace is achieved, the military’s role will automatically decrease.

Senior military officials seen

He stated, “The main thing is that if there is internal peace and ethnic armed organizations no longer exist—if things become peaceful—the military’s role will decline. However, if the military’s role were reduced right now, they would still have to be used for national peace and security. Therefore, the primary issue is that national peace is number one. To achieve national peace, it is necessary for current military leaders, administrative leaders, and all ethnic armed organizations to work with a clear vision for the development of the country.”

In cases where a nation’s history, human resources, and practical political conditions must be considered, there are countries where the military is not at all under the control of a civilian government.

These include Pakistan, Thailand, Egypt, and some African nations such as Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso. North Korea is slightly different; while the military is under the leadership of the Party and its leader, it serves as the lifeblood of the state, and all national resources are prioritized for the military.

CNI News

17 March 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) of India has arrested seven foreigners who allegedly met with Myanmar-based armed groups that oppose India and supplied them with drones.

The detainees include six Ukrainian nationals and one American national. They were apprehended at airports in Delhi, Kolkata, and Lucknow.

According to reports, although these individuals entered India on valid visas, they traveled to the restricted state of Mizoram without the required permits. From there, they crossed into Myanmar to establish contact with armed groups acting against India and arranged the delivery of drones imported from Europe.

The NIA has detained the seven foreigners on charges of conspiring to carry out terrorist attacks against India.

A criminal court in Delhi has ordered them to be held in custody until March 27 while further investigations continue, as reported by the Indian Express.

The reports did not specify exactly which Myanmar-based armed groups were receiving the drones. Currently, several groups are active along the India-Myanmar border, including the Chin National Front (CNF), Arakan Army (AA), Chin PDF, Kuki National Army (KNA), Naga armed groups, Meitei (Kathey) armed groups, Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), PDFs under the NUG, and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

CNI News

March 16, 2026

Today (March 16), during the first day of the first regular session of the third Pyithu Hluttaw, U Khin Yi was elected as the Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw.

U Khin Yi contested and won his seat as a Pyithu Hluttaw representative for the Zeyarthiri constituency in the 2025 General Election.

He also serves as the Chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).

The election for the Deputy Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw is currently ongoing.

CNI News

14 March 2026

Self-administration is an inherent part of a federal system, but in Myanmar some individuals still view federalism and self-administration as separate concepts, a political analyst told CNI News. According to the analyst, if federalism is properly understood, there would be no reason to deny self-administration.

He said, “In reality, self-administration is one of the components of a federal system. However, some people interpret self-administration and self-governance as something separate. In fact, federalism already includes self-administration. Self-administration or self-determination means that people in a region hold their own elections and the government that emerges in their state governs them. The central government should not interfere with that regional government. The federal government cannot change the chief minister, the administrator, or the government of that region. The region governs itself. Of course, it remains part of the country, but it is governed according to the decisions and the mandate of the people in that region. That is an important component of federalism. If this is understood, there is no reason to deny it.”

However, he added that Myanmar’s 2008 Constitution does not align with the essence of a federal system. Therefore, solutions should be approached by aligning the framework of the 2008 Constitution with principles closer to those of federalism.

Ethnic groups of diverse backgrounds

Another political analyst said, “Under the 2008 Constitution, the situation is different. Elections are held in the states at the same time as the national elections. After the elections and the formation of parliaments, the president from the central government appoints the chief ministers of the states. In addition, military representatives still occupy one-quarter of the seats in the legislatures. The chief ministers are nominated by the president. This does not conform to the essence of federalism. Not only that, it also contradicts the self-administration that ethnic groups are demanding. These issues need to be addressed by approaching the framework of the 2008 Constitution with ideas that are closer to the principles of federalism.”

Military and political observers have also pointed out the need to clearly understand the essence of both federalism and democracy, whether it is called a “federal democracy” or a “democratic federal union.”

They noted that transitioning to a federal system would require either amending the 2008 Constitution or drafting a new constitution.

Observers also recommended opening political dialogue in order to end ethnic armed conflicts and establish a federal union.

Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, founder of the Yangon Watch group, told CNI News that what is most important is the genuine willingness of all armed groups, including the Myanmar military, to provide real peace.

Government, Tatmadaw, and armed group leaders seen together

She said, “Once talks begin, discussions can address what kind of federal system is desired and what type of autonomy is being sought. Under the 2008 Constitution, some things can be granted while others cannot. Even if certain things cannot be granted directly, opportunities can still be created through other mechanisms. These are matters that can be addressed through peace dialogue platforms. There is nothing that cannot be discussed. What matters most is that all armed organizations, including the Myanmar military, genuinely have the goodwill to deliver real peace for the future union and for the next generation.”

Political analysts also noted that devolving power to the states is a key factor in achieving peace. They argued that since the current 2008 Constitution is based on military dominance, a new constitution is necessary for a genuine federal democracy.

In shaping Myanmar’s future, ethnic armed organizations and non-Bamar ethnic forces have expressed a desire to establish a federal democratic union, while the Myanmar military, the NLD, and the USDP have expressed support for building a democratic federal union.

However, the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) states that a union based on democracy and federalism should be built in accordance with the outcomes of political dialogue.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also previously stated, in a message sent to the ceremony marking the 75th Kachin State Day on January 10, 2023, that under a union system based on democracy and federalism, states and regions would be granted self-determination rights under the constitution.

CNI News

14 March 2026

Political observers and business owners are currently analyzing how a new government should act to improve individual incomes and job opportunities for every citizen in Myanmar.

Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai-Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), told CNI News that the incoming government needs to create jobs through companies and private enterprises. He emphasized that the government should set a minimum wage that is proportionate to current commodity prices.

He stated: "I believe the government must create opportunities for every citizen to work while simultaneously pursuing peace. Once a government is established, foreign investment will flow in, and we need to invite a lot of it. The government needs to create many jobs through companies and private sectors so citizens can find employment. If the people have the right to work, their hardships will ease.

Members of the grassroots class in Myanmar

Currently, the government-set minimum wage is 6,800 Kyats, which isn't even enough to cover food costs today. The government must set a wage that matches the cost of living. In this current era, a daily wage should be at least 15,000 Kyats for a person to reach a level of food sufficiency, and there should be rates higher than that as well. We must control inflation while creating job opportunities. If jobs are plentiful, the public economy will improve. Right now, many people want to work but lack the opportunity, leading them to go abroad. Without domestic jobs, people have reached a stage where they have no income. If every citizen has the chance to work, I believe the national economy will improve."

On March 10, 2026, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing spoke at a review meeting regarding national development efforts between 2021 and 2025. He stated that individual incomes—and subsequently national income—will only increase if every citizen actively works.

He said: "If we continue business as usual without striving to promote operations, the goal of poverty reduction cannot be achieved. Individual incomes will only rise, leading to a rise in national income, if every citizen actually works. Having agriculture and livestock businesses that match the local population will ensure local food sufficiency and keep basic food prices at a reasonable level."

People working for their livelihood by driving motor-boats

Business owner U Aung Pyae Sone told CNI News that a new government must prioritize two factors: increasing public income and expanding job opportunities. He noted that human resources have become scarcer than before and that issues like poor transportation and energy insufficiency must be addressed.

He stated: "When a government takes office, the first two things they must do are increase citizen income and expand job opportunities. Compared to other countries, we have many weaknesses. The main one is human resources; many youth capable of working have gone abroad. We need to first solve the issues of poor transportation and the lack of electricity. Only after solving these can we find new job opportunities.

Rather than just domestic job creation, the government needs to try harder to bring in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Once that is done and labor is recruited, people will get both jobs and income. This is the only way the economy will become manageable for the grassroots class."

Military and political observers pointed out that while a new government needs to consistently work on the peace process, it must also strive for economic stability. They suggested that a new administration might offer peace invitations while attempting to revitalize the economy.

However, everyone emphasized that economic and peace policies must be correct and upright, and current policies need to be thoroughly reviewed.

CNI News

14 March 2026

Political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News that while armed organizations and the general public in Myanmar claim to dislike military dictatorship, the country is practically facing "multiple military dictatorships."

He stated: "The revolutionary forms of the various armed groups in Myanmar likely do not share the exact same vision. Because the problems in Myanmar have persisted for so many years, the original core issues sometimes seem to have lost their shape. However, it’s not that they cannot be solved. While we all claim to oppose military dictatorship, almost all these groups have become dictatorships themselves—some small, some large. It is an undeniable fact that the public, while rejecting a single dictatorship, is now facing many."

If it were otherwise, building an army wouldn't be about making money; it’s an expensive venture. This has become a vicious cycle: are they raising armies to make money, or making money to raise armies? This problem continues without end."

The public protesting in 2021

Myanmar has faced internal conflict since March 1948, shortly after gaining independence on January 4, 1948, and the issue remains unresolved to this day. Successive administrations—including those of U Ne Win, U Than Shwe, U Thein Sein, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and the current administration of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing—have held peace talks with armed groups, yet success remains elusive.

U Khun Sai, who is involved in the peace process, told CNI News that trust must first be established with the nearest armed organizations before more distant groups will feel confident enough to join the process.

He explained: "Currently, if they (government) want to move forward, they must build trust with the nearest armed groups and political parties. If they can achieve this, the groups further away will gain confidence and participate. This includes political parties close to the government, CSOs, and Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) that are in regular contact. They need to be kept 'satisfied,' meaning their rights must be granted and their demands negotiated.

Discussions regarding the NCA (Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement)

These negotiations must also be made public. We need to show the people that we aren't just leading unilaterally, but that we are actively considering and valuing the thoughts, needs, and reasons of the other side. If those who aren't ready to talk yet see this and feel it is reliable, they will join. If we cannot satisfy or build trust with those closest to us, others will not come."

Military and political analysts pointed out that Myanmar's armed conflict is a problem involving all parties. Issues regarding democracy, federalism, peace, security, and ethnicity concern every organization and must be discussed equitably between all sides.

The armed conflict in Myanmar has expanded significantly following the political shifts after February 1, 2021, leading to a proliferation of armed groups. Currently, while the Myanmar military and the government are experiencing territorial losses, ethnic armed groups are increasingly focused on securing territorial control.

CNI News

March 13, 2026

If the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, jointly implemented by India and Myanmar, is completed in 2027, it could bring peace and stability to Chin State and Rakhine State, according to U Soe Htet, chairman of the New Chin Congress Party (NCC).

He told CNI News that the project is part of India’s policy toward its northeastern region and is intended to provide those landlocked areas with access to the sea.

U Soe Htet said: “The Kaladan project is part of India’s northeastern policy. It is intended to provide sea access for India’s northeastern states such as Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur. From Mizoram’s Aizawl, the route will pass through the Lawngtlai area and then connect to Paletwa by road. From Paletwa, it will reach the deep-sea port there and then continue down to the Sittwe port. Through this route, India will be able to transport goods, both toward its own territories and to Southeast Asia. This project has been carried out since 2008 through agreements between the governments of India and Myanmar. It is effectively India’s sea outlet. It is also a sea outlet for our Chin State and for India’s landlocked states. Just as some of China’s inland regions can access the sea through Myanmar, India is also trying to gain sea access through Paletwa in Chin State and Sittwe in Rakhine State. I do not know how the countries involved are coordinating with one another, but we understand that the Kaladan project is planned to be completed in 2027. It started in 2008, and the main reason it has not been completed yet is due to armed conflicts. Since it is a project jointly implemented by the governments of Myanmar and India, if it is successfully completed, it will improve connectivity and create economic opportunities. It will benefit Chin people, benefit Rakhine State, and bring development for local communities. I believe the region will also become more peaceful.”

The Kaladan River project site in Paletwa

The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project agreement was signed between India and Myanmar in 2008, and implementation began in September 2010.

India has reportedly invested about US$484 million in the project.

The project is part of India’s Act East Policy, aimed at linking Kolkata with Mizoram State through Myanmar.

The route is expected to reduce the distance between Kolkata and Mizoram by about 1,000 kilometers, while also reducing transport time to around three to four days.

U Soe Htet also said that relations between the Indian government and the Myanmar military are currently positive and that India’s approach toward Myanmar appears to be peaceful.

A port jetty in Paletwa

He said: “Our northwestern region is closely connected with our neighboring areas such as Manipur and Mizoram, where many Chin people also live. Because of this shared background, the Indian government has implemented development programs under its Look East policy. They are also working to secure sea access routes, so relations are good. The relationship between the Indian government and the Myanmar government is also positive. India’s stance toward Myanmar appears constructive. The Indian ambassador in Yangon frequently holds discussions with our government. We have also heard that India wants to complete the Kaladan project by 2027 and is continuing discussions toward that goal. Therefore, in terms of relations with Myanmar’s northwestern region and India’s attitude toward us, I believe their approach is generally peaceful.”

According to reports published in July 2025 by IDRW, a media outlet linked to India’s RAW intelligence agency, India’s Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal stated that the Kaladan river transport project is expected to become operational in 2027.

The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project includes the expansion of Sittwe Port, dredging of the Kaladan River to allow international vessels to operate, and construction of a road linking Paletwa in Chin State to Mizoram State in India.

Under the project, goods from India will be transported by water along the Kaladan River from Sittwe to Paletwa, while goods from Myanmar will be transported by truck from Paletwa to Mizoram.

The Kaladan project is expected to improve trade connectivity between India’s northeastern states and Myanmar’s Rakhine and Chin states.

CNI News

March 13, 2026

For the sake of the public interest in Myanmar’s peace process, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, stated that stakeholders should focus on "what should be done" rather than "what they want to happen."

He made these remarks during a review meeting held on March 10, 2026, regarding the government’s performance and national development efforts between 2021 and 2025.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated: "Regarding internal peace, progress must be achieved without fail. We must act on what should be done rather than what we want, while prioritizing the public interest. The Tatmadaw is firmly following the path of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). To enhance peace efforts, 2022 was designated as the Year of Peace, and we have held 149 meetings with peace mediators across 13 sessions."

U Saw Han Aye, Chairperson of the People's Pioneer Party (PPP), told CNI News that he believes more progress will be made if flexibility is shown by prioritizing "what should be" over personal desires.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

"People have many different aspirations, but decisions should be based on the country’s current situation and what is most necessary. Each issue should be assessed individually rather than applying a broad approach. Economic development requires revising some existing procedures and laws, and with parliament expected to convene soon, further policy adjustments could be made. If more relaxation measures are implemented by prioritizing what is necessary over what is merely desired, the economy could see greater progress,” he said.

On the other hand, Daw Nant Khin Aye Oo, Chairperson of the Karen Peoples Party (KPP), emphasized that the most urgent "should be" is solving the economic crisis for grassroots citizens and farmers.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

"What you want might not always be what is best. If what we want isn't possible right now, we must look at what is necessary for the country," she told CNI. She highlighted that farmers are currently facing significant losses in paddy production and that the gap between income and expenditure is unsustainable. "Peace must be pursued, but looking at the current situation, it still feels a long way off. We must keep trying," she added.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also mentioned that Peace Forums and Youth Peace Forums have been organized to create an all-inclusive national peace framework and to encourage youth participation.

He noted that the discussions from these forums would significantly support peace efforts and constitutional amendments. By increasing youth involvement in national affairs, he claimed, the future of the country can be improved.