CNI News

22 February 2025

It was necessary to have stability in the entire country so that a free and fair general election could be held, said chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC).

He said the above in the letter sent to the 77th Anniversary Celebration of Chin National Day that fell on 20th February 2025.

"The SAC is emphatically carrying out to become a respectable and accurate election that is free from injustices such as threats to all voters, coercion and group bullying. Peace and stability are needed in the entire country so that a free and fair general election can be held." said chairman of the SAC Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

While the MNDAA has captured the Northeast Command of the Myanmar Tatmadaw

Only when armed conflict ended, could free and fair elections be held, he said. Fierce battles are taking place between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and armed groups in Sagaing Region, Magway Region, Bago Region, Tanintharyi Region, Mandalay Region, Ayeyarwady Region, Shan State, Chin State, Kachin State, Karen State, Kayah State, Rakhine State, and Mon State. 

During these battles, the Myanmar Tatmadaw has lost control of several hundred military camps including the Northeast Command and the West Command as well as over 90 townships.

Due to these battles, there are over three million IDPs and many thousands of houses and buildings were burnt down. So, military and political analysts are questioning how to achieve peace and stability throughout the country.

While seeing political parties and the SAC chairman

" Because he said peace and stability are needed in the entire country to hold the election, does he mean the election won't be held unless there is peace and stability? Does he mean elections will be held regionally, but not in the entire country? Or does he express that there are difficulties to hold the election because he has no intention of holding the election? they are food for thought." said a politician.

Although Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing announced that a general election would be held in August 2023, because armed conflicts became widespread throughout the country, he extended the state of emergency for another six months under Section. 425 of the 2008 constitution, saying it was an abnormal period.

Although he promised again that the election would be held in 2025 without fail, he has not expressed the exact date when the election will be held.

However, those close to the SAC said that the SAC could stop the extension of the state of emergency and announce the election date; the election could be held in October or November or December 2025 and a transfer of power could take place in April 2026.

CNI Article

21 February 2025

Myanmar had used parliamentary democracy until 1960 since it gained her independence on 4 January 1948 and it emerged as a developing country, a Southeast Asian tiger amidst the civil war.

Although democratic norms were used in those years, federal norms were weak and requests for correction or addition were still under discussion. 

Meanwhile, armed elements with various ideologies were able to capture most areas of the country and the U Nu government was able to govern around and in Yangon only in 1949.

However, the U Nu government was elected by the people, it had won the public and international support. That is why, the Indian government supported arms and ammunition to the Myanmar Tatmadaw which fought back against armed elements called colorful rebels.

During the civil war, Myanmar's levels of education, economy, social and health were so high that it was necessary to negotiate and implement federalism only. At that time, leaders considered that only when a federal union could be established, did everyone enjoy equal rights and were discussing matters regarding the establishment of a federal union. Meanwhile, the Myanmar Tatmadaw led by U Ne Win staged a coup d'etat, saying the country could disintegrate by building federalism.

Taking lessons from above-mentioned situations, Thailand and Singapore built their countries and today, their countries have been much more developed than Myanmar. So,
reviewing the current situation in Myanmar and drawing lessons, armed, political, civil elements, the ruling class and the ruled class should find a solution to how Myanmar should be established.

Instead of taking lessons and trying to build the country, elements inside Myanmar are shouting the words "democracy and federal" without letting it out of their mouths, just for the sake of organizing. But they were building their interests on their brain, pointed out some people. Many thoughts and doubts arose among the public whether they really wanted to build a democracy or a federal union.

Before the ability to reach a certain situation for the establishment of a federalism although the discussions have taken several decades, some elements are making preparations to gain a level beyond the federalism or to establish a country of their own.

With slogans saying protecting and preserving democracy, building a federal union, and eradicating the military dictatorship and no discussion for blood debt, armed elements were going, but on the ground, they are going toward meeting and discussion and trying to strengthen the situations they have gained.

In any case, although people have to sacrifice their lives, blood and sweat for the organizational words called democracy and federalism, when organizers have the interests on their brain , democracy and federalism are ignored and they are left with the history.

Of 192 countries in the world, there are only 28 countries that use federalism and in some of them, civil wars are breaking out again and the issues of secessionism remain unresolved to this day. These problems, for example, are taking place in India, Ethiopia, Somalia, Iraq, Pakistan and Sudan.

How should we find a solution to the current situation? Some people are considering looking for an exit by dividing three powers that are maintained by one person after a general election is held. Others are considering looking for a new condition after rooting out the military dictatorship.

Even after the election, if the exit cannot be found, who will take the accountability, which some people are questioning.

On the other hand, the idea of rooting out the military dictatorship is very unlikely to put it into practice, when leaders concerned have to attend the discussion because they are not able to root out the doctorship, how will those who shouted the slogan saying they would fight to make the dictatorship end take the accountability for those who sacrificed their lives, which some people are questioning.

Among these conditions, Myanmar citizens are gradually losing confidence in the ruling class, political parties, political elements and armed forces and trying to leave the country. 

They believe they will find their better future only when they can leave the country.

So, those who are talking about federalism and democracy are having their interests on their brain, which the public is considering. How will it be remedied?

CNI News

21 February 2025

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Kaplang/Ann Mai (NSCN-K/AM) sent a letter to the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), in which it has told the KIA not to enter the Naga Self-Administered Zone (NSAZ) and not to disturb the NSAZ. 

The NSCN-K/AM continues to maintain peace and stability in the Nagaland region while it is holding peace talks with the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the Indian government to remedy the underdevelopment, chairman of the NSCN-K/AM's peacemaking committee U Chin Aung told CNI News.

" To tell you frankly, there are many organizations in our region and we are working with the groups. We have told the KIA not to disturb the Naga region at all." said U Chin Aung.

Although the NSCN-K/AM sent a letter to the KIA, in which it has told the KIA not to enter the Naga region and not to damage the stability, the two sides have not discussed in person and the KIA has not replied anything to the NSCN-K/AM.

While seeing the KIA-PDF

The KIA is conducting military operations in Naga region and Khamti Township and captured the Nancimon camp in Khamti township on 22nd May 2021. The KIA gave military training and provide weapons and ammunition to the Naga People's Defense Force (NPDF). 

The NPDF and the Eastern Naga Defense Army (ENDA/ENNO) are waging battles in the Naga region and Khami Township.

The NSCN-K/AM, the NSCN-K/YA led by U Yung Aung, the NSCN-IM led by Isak Chishi Swu and Muivah, and the NSCN-HS led by Hanshiram Sang have been active in the Naga region.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense General Maung Maung Aye called for the Naga region to remain a peaceful region while attending the Naga New Year Festival held in Lahe, the Naga Self-Administered Zone, on January 15, 2025.

CNI News
20 February 2025

 Lieutenant General Ko Ko Oo, commander of the No.1 Bureau of Special Operation and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) met and discussed in Kunming, China on 16th and 17th February and the discussion ended without any agreements.

" Because there was a difficult situation to negotiate and discuss between the two sides, if the two sides have already made preparations for discussion, they should discuss again, urged Chinese Special Envoy Deng Xijun and then the discussion ended." reported the TNLA.

The TNLA demanded three points in the Kunming discussion and first, to cease fire after the forces from the two sides stop where they are, and second, the forces from the two sides must stop all the military activities including launching offensives and attacking by drones, air strikes and heavy weapons, and third, to allow the transportation of food and medicine inside the territories controlled by the two sides.

The TNLA has controlled Nansang, Mangtong, Mong Ngor, Mong Long, Namtu, Kyaukme, Nawnghkio, Thibaw, Kutkai, Namkham in northern Shan State as well as Mogok, Momeik and Mabein during Operation-1027.

CNI News

20 February 2025

The Border Guard force has not bought any share and taken any profits from the telegram fraud (Zha pian) businesses in Karen State in the border areas with Thailand, information officer of the BGF Lt-Col Naing Maung Zaw told CNI News.

The BGF had completely nothing to do with Zha pian and lent only land and because the BGF was the land owner, it was accused of taking part in the Zha pian, he said. 

" We rented our land out to Chinese citizens. They constructed their buildings and invested. We are not involved in their business at all. We don't buy any shares from them. We don't take any profit from them. For example, a person hire a land lot on which he build a house. In the house, he might commit a misdeed. Is it related to the land owner? Because we are the land owner, we are accused of involving in it. It's no wonder." said Lt-Col Naing Maung Zaw.

While employees from Zha pian gangs were being sent to Thailand

Chinese Assistance Minister for Public Security Liu Zhongyi arrived in Myawaddy on 17th February 2025. And then, Thailand, China, Myanmar held trilateral meeting to rescue trafficked people and suppress the Zha pian gangs and good results could be produced, said Lt-Col Naing Maung Zaw. Zha pian was scary in the news only and it was nothing in reality, he added.

" Officials from China, Myanmar and Thailand discuss matters relating to Zha pian. Good results were reportedly produced from the discussion. We have already arrested over 2,000 people. We are carrying out everyday. We are ready to send back over 1,000 people who had been inspected. In the past, those who had read about Myawaddy in the news didn't dare to come to the town, but if you really came there, you would find out it would be nothing." said Lt-Col Naing Maung Zaw.

While the BGF was inspecting a Zha pian gang

High rank delegates from three countries went to Myawaddy, Shwe Kokko and the KK Park in Karen State and met those trafficked from the Zha pian gangs on 17th February.

The delegates discussed matters relating to sending foreigners who were detained in Myawaddy back to their native countries in accordance with the law.

At present, the BGF has formed anti-Zha pian task forces to suppress Zha pian gangs.

CNI News

20 February 2025

Although the State Administration council (SAC) reorganized the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee, it would not deviate from the peace objective, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP) Dr. Aye Maung told CNI News.

 The SAC released on 4th February 2025 that it reorganized the NSPNC.

" The SAC and the cabinet were also reorganized. The NSPNC is under the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Central Committee. But the main objective is to make peace. Its work is national reconciliation and peacemaking. In other words, it meets and discuss with armed organizations after which ceasefire will be conducted and then the points resulted from the discussion will be submitted to the peace conference. They are included in the main process. The NSPNC won't deviate from the peacemaking.” Dr. Aye Maung Said.

While seeing the statement that has described the reorganization of the NSPNC

In the NSPNC that has been reorganized, Lieutenant General Ya Pyae (Minister of Border Affairs) will serve as the chairman of the NSPNC that has been reorganized and Lt-Gen Min Naing as secretary of the committee.

Maj-Gen Aung Kyaw Kyaw (Deputy Minister for Home Affairs), Lt-Gen Win Zaw Moe (police chief), a colonel from the Office of the Chief of Military Security Affairs, Col. Wunna Aung (JMC), U Hla Maung Shwe, Lt-Gen Win Bo Shein (Retired), chairman of the Myanmar Veterans Association Lt-Gen Sein Win (Retired), Lt-Gen Myo Thant Naing,  Union Minister for Immigration and Manpower U Myint Kyaing and Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Khin Maung Yi will serve as members.

While the NSPNC was discussing with political parties when Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung served as chairman of the NSPNC

After reorganization of the NSPNC, he was looking forward to getting positive discussions, vice chairman of the National Democratic Force Party (NDF) U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News.

"The organizations of its above have not changed and nor have its policies. So, we won't find it difficult discussing with it. We were able to discuss with the NSPNC very well. We won the constructive results. We have signed the 43 points. I'm looking forward to getting positive discussions in the future." he said.

The NSPNC is responsible for peace talks and implement the tasks laid down by the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Central Committee (NSPCC).

At present, the NSPNC is discussing with NCA signatories and political parties in order to implement the peace processes.

CNI Interview

19 February 2025

Telegram fraud (Zha pian) and human trafficking are taking place in Myawaddy and Shwe Kokko in Karen State, Myanmar. 

So, China is putting pressure on Thailand and China, Myanmar and Thailand are jointly trying to suppress the Zha pian. 

With a view to suppression of Zha pian, Thailand has cut out providing electricity, internet service and fuel oil to Myawaddy, Shwe Kokko and Paya Thone Zu Towns which have been dominated by the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) and the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF).

Regarding the above situation, CNI News interviewed the DKBA Chief of Staff Maj-Gen Saw San Aung.

CNI News: Let us know what the DKBA is currently carrying out regarding the Zha pian and its future plan?

Maj-Gen Saw San Aung: We'll have to crush up the Zha pian because it's inhumane and cruel. It's been notorious.

CNI News: How's the DKBA cooperating with the Myanmar Tatmadaw now?

Maj-Gen Saw San Aung: We have agreed to a ceasefire with the Myanmar Tatmadaw. We have signed the NCA. There is communication and exchange of information between the two sides.

While checks were being conducted to hand over those involved in Zha pian to Thailand

CNI News: How's it going with Thailand? What agreements are there between the DKBA and Thailand?

Maj-Gen Saw San Aung: Not particularly. We haven't any agreements with Thailand. People here on the Myanmar side go to the Thai side to buy things. And crops produced in Myanmar are exported to Thailand. 

We have difficulty transferring people ( who worked for telegram fraudsters) to Thailand. The large number of people makes transportation difficult. We were not able to hand over the detained people to the Thai side in accordance with the immigration law of Myanmar. 

In fact, they came here through Thailand. So, we hand over these people to Thailand effortlessly. We haven't read the exact laws.

CNI News: If China ask the DKBA to hand over the telegram fraudsters to it, how does the DKBA plan to send telegram fraudsters to China?

Maj-Gen Saw San Aung: We won't hand over telegram fraudsters to China whenever it asks us because China hasn't fed rice to us.

CNI News: What will happen if China enters your region to arrest the telegram fraudsters by reason of Zha pian as it did in the Wa and Kokang region? How have you planned to face the situation?

While Chinese Assistant Minister for Public Security was meeting those involved in Zha pian from Myawaddy

Maj-Gen Saw San Aung: The Wa region is next to China. The Wa people have to enter and leave China.

CNI News: As Thailand has cut out providing electricity, it hurts the people on the Myanmar side. How has the DKBA made it up?

Maj-Gen Saw San Aung: Cutting out electricity is an inhuman and cruel act. Ordinary people here outnumber those involved in the Zha pian. In terms of humanity and human rights, there is no reason to cut off electricity. Thailand has to suppress the culprits only. All the people involved in the Zha pian came here through Thailand.

CNI News: Thailand is also preparing to arrest and prosecute the BGF leaders. They are saying to arrest the DKBA leaders. How do you want to respond to it?

Maj-Gen Saw San Aung: We won't respond to anything. The nature of the world is that if you are weak, you will suffer. If Thailand provides evidence, it will arrest. But it's necessary to know that if they can arrest us, we can arrest them as well. That's what a soldier says.

CNI News: What else do you want to say regarding the regional cases?

Maj-Gen Saw San Aung: We want this region to be peaceful. I feel sorry for the people when I hear the sound of mines and bombs.

CNI News

18 February 2025

The Karen National Liberation Army (LNLA)- the People's Defense force (PDF) joint forces that were waging battles against the Myanmar Tatmadaw might be able to reach the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway through the west side of the Sittaung River, spokesperson of the United Nationalities Alliance, U Myo Kyaw told CNI News. 

The joint forces attacked the check-points and outposts of the Myanmar Tatmadaw in Kyaukkyi, Kyauktaga, Phyu and Nyaunglebin Townships at the same time, the Information Department of the Karen National Union (KNU) released on 16th February 2025.

The KNLA-PDF joint forces might be able to reach the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway and if they were able to capture the expressway, they could cut off connections to big cities such as Yangon and Mandalay, said U Myo Kyaw.

While seeing the commander of the Cobra Column fighting against the Myanmar Tatmadaw

" I came to know since before that revolutionary elements are being active around the old Yangon-Mandalay Highway in the west side of the Sittaung River. And then, they might come to the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway. If they were able to capture the expressway, they would be able to cut off connections to big cities such as Yangon and Mandalay. There are often battles in Kyauktaga and Nyaunglebin while there are more severe battles in Kyaukkyi. The revolutionary forces often surround it and firmly deploy themselves in this area. Revolutionary forces are strong there. We heard that they would penetrate into the main land in 2025. They are putting it into practice, I think." said U Myo Kyaw.

According to the statement released by the KNU, revolutionary forces attacked and captured the Naywebin Camp, the camp between Tauweek and Htaintabin Villages and the Kyungone Village Camp under the No. 560 Infantry of the Myanmar Tatmadaw on 15th February 2025.

While seeing the KNLA and its allies

Although the revolutionaries were motivated by the ability to attack small camps, they still needed time to carry out large-scale operations, chairman of the PNLO-NCA/S, Col. Khun Okkar told CNI News.

" When the SAC's ground forces are weak, revolutionary forces will be able to attack and capture small camps of the Myanmar Tatmadaw. It may motivate them. It will take them time to wage large-scale military operations such as Operatgion-1027 or as the AA does." said Col. Khun Okkar.

There are over one million IDPs in Karen and Bago Regions at present and they need humanitarian aids, reported the Karen Peace Support Network (KPSN) on 28th November 2024.

# Col. Khun Okkar #KNLA #PDF # Naypyidaw# Yangon # politics #cnimyanmar

CNI News

18 February 2025

Senior officials from China, Thailand, and Myanmar met and discussed issues related to combating online fraudsters (Zha Pian) in Karen State, Myanmar on February 17, 2025. 

The meeting was held on the Myanmar side and attended by Deputy Home Affairs Minister of Myanmar Maj-Gen Aung Kyaw Kyaw and Deputy Chief of Myanmar Police Force,  Chinese Assistant Minister of Public Security Liu Zhongyi, Thai General Trisak Indraransmi on behalf of Thai Defense Minister, and advisor to the Thai Defense Ministry Mr. Sakhorn Boongullaya.  

The high-level delegates from the three countries went to Myawaddy, Shwe Kokko and the KK Park, Karen State, Myanmar, where they met those trafficked in the Zha Pian gangs.

The delegates discussed matters relating to foreigners detained in Myawaddy back to their countries.

The Myanmar government investigated and identified Zha Pian gangs and their businesses in Myawaddy, Shwe Kokko and the KK Park, and was able to detain 1030 foreigners between 30th January and 16th February 2025.

Officials concerned are carrying out in order to send the foreigners detained back to their countries in accordance with the law. Myawaddy, Shwe Kokko and the KK Park have been controlled by the DKBA and the Border Guard Force of Karen State.