CNI News
11 May 2024

When getting tokens for Unique Identification Number smart card, the price for fast availability was around 100,000 kyats, residents of Myawaddy told CNI News.

Although the people who held border pass were allowed to cross the border in the past, but now those who have UID smart cards (national registration smart card) would be allowed to cross the border starting 1st May, 2024.

So, there have been a sharp increase in the number of the people who tried to get tokens to make UIDs and the price that has to be paid to get tokens quickly rose to around 100,000 kyats.

That's why, the issuance of tokens has been suspended starting from 8th May, 2024, an official from a social assistance association in Myawaddy, told CNI News.

While seeing those who came to the immigration office in Myawaddy to apply for UID cards

"The matter of money taken by township immigration officials and brokers was problematic. The issuance of tokens has been suspended for the time being. I wonder how they will restart by which system. The population of Myawaddy residents is just a few. There are more workers who go to the Thai side with a seven day residence permit. The problem is that those who want to get UIDs fast have to pay money. The brokers who have links with immigration officials designated the price for those who get UIDs fast. In the beginning, a card was paid 30,000 to 50,000 kyats. Now the price has been 80,000 to 100,000 kyats." he said.

The issuance of tokens has been suspended starting from 8th May, 2024 and new applications will be accepted starting from 13th May, 2024 reportedly.

The Immigration Office in Myawaddy is providing service to make 300 people get the UID smart carts reportedly. If the smart cards were issued not only in the immigration department but also at the border gates, it would be easier and faster, pointed out people.

While seeing those who came to the immigration office in Myawaddy to apply for UID cards

A border pass will be issued to a person who has had a UID and designating like that has opened a way that applicants have to pay a lot of money, Ko Naing Naing Aung, director of the Arakan Workers Organization, told CNI News.

“It's just a way to earn an income. A citizen registration card has been issued to a citizen. As soon as you show the card, you can freely travel to Thailand that has been discussed already by the two governments to be able to do so. After giving a name to this issue, they are looking for money. When the authorities lay down a policy, they think about getting benefit from the public but they don't think about how to provide service to the public." he said.

Those who apply for UID smart cards must have household census and citizen registration cards and after biodata collection such as eye scanning and fingerprinting is done, they can get their UID smart cards.

Although the government has directed to provide service free of charge for UID smart cards, brokers are working to get UID smart cards on behalf of applicants who have to give a lot of money at the bottom.

CNI News
11 May 2024

This year Myanmar mango export to China was just one third of last year due to instabilities along the way, said mango traders.

As time delays occur due to battles breaking out along the route going to the border trade gate, the quality of mangoes might decline and so as not to decline like that, although the two governments discussed to make the mangoes get the green line status as an important commodity, it didn't work reportedly. So, the mango export to China has declined, Ko Thitsar, a mango trader, told CNI News.

" The current authorities and the bilateral organizations don't understand the green line. So, they can't make the green line system. We can only tell the drivers to take care of their driving and so as to delay. The number of times delivered by car becomes less. If 100 trucks went with mangoes in the past, now would be 30." he said.

When the mangoes were exported to China through Muse and Kyin San Kyawt border trade in the past, although it took only two days, those gates have been closed now because of battles.

So, the mangoes are being exported to China through the Myla border trade and it takes about seven days and three to ten trucks of mangoes can be exported each day reportedly.

So, the mango market was on the brink of collapse and hardly any mango growers exported mangoes any more. Only companies and brokers' sales centers exported, U San Win, a mango trader, told CNI News.

" At present, there are hardly any mango growers who exported mangoes. Companies and brokers' sales centers inform the buyers of the prices in advance and export as able as they can get. There have been almost no auction systems like in the past. To sustain the system like this, it will be likely to export a lot. Now mangoes are so plentiful within the country. The market is on the brink of collapse." he said.

Although Japan, Singapore and other countries offered to buy Myanmar mangoes this year, they cannot be exported because of their quality weak points reportedly.

CNI News
11 May 2024

The India-based Zomi Revolutionary Organization/Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRO/ZRA) and the Zomi Political Cooperation Committee (ZPCC)/ZRA Eastern Command that enter Chin State are gathering Zomi clans in Myanmar, India and Bangladesh and trying to build Zomi country, the Chin National Front (CNF) accused and stated on 9th May, 2024.

The ZRO/ZRA that was formed in 1993 is a Zomi clan armed group that revolutionizes against the Indian government and according to the agreement reached between the Indian government and the ZRO/ZRA in 2005, had stood as a Border Guarder Force and based in Manipur State, the CNF stated.

After that, the ZRO/ZRA which went against the Indian Government entered Chin State, Myanmar under the name of the ZPCC/ZRA (Eastern Command) in 2013 and the political objective of the ZRO/ZRA which has based in Manipur State, India was to dominate other clans in Manipur State, the CNF accused.

"The political objective of the ZPCC/ZRA (Eastern Command) that is active in Chinland ( Chin State) is to gather Tedim, Tonzang Townships in Chinland as well as Kalay and Kabaw regions in Sagaing Region and to build Zomi State. The ultimate political goal of the ZRO/ZRA and the ZPCC/ZRA (Eastern Command) is to gather Zomi clans in Myanmar, India and Bangladesh to build Zomi country." the CNF accused.

While seeing the statement released by the CNF

The ZRO/ZRA and ZPCC/ZRA pay the tax to the regionally based Myanmar Tatmadaw has owned many acres of poppy plantation in the forest belt in which there are Phoisat, Suang hoih, Seimei and Mualpi Villages.

Local people have been allowed to grow poppy and they have to pay tax. They collect tax at the border checkpoints and the tender the Myanmar Tatmadaw is carrying out in Tedim and Tonzang Townships, the CNF stated.

The reason why the CNF was fighting against the ZRA was because the CNF wanted to control the border trade route and to collect tax, said a person close to the CNF.

" At present, the CNF is trying to dominate Chin State. The reason why the CNF is fighting against the ZRA is because the CNF wants to control the trade route. The CNF is collecting tax at 2 percent on commodity in Chin State. The people from Hakha and Thantlan might like the CNF. But other Chin people don't like the CNF. To tell you frankly, the people from the border area prefer the military council. In any case, when the military council had controlled the border, they were able to make a living. When the CNF attacked the border gate and India has closed the gate, it's difficult for them to make a living." he said.

While seeing the CNF force

The battles are currently breaking out in Tedim Township and near the border area. The six Chin ethnic armed groups have warned the CNF not to conduct any military movements in Tedim and Tonzang Townships.

According to the CNF, the ZRA and the Infantry Battalion-268 of the Tatmadaw met and discussed and the following points were agreed- (1) the State Administration Council must lead to draft the Zogam Charter; (2) the SAC must lead in order to build Zomi State;(3) the ZRA must be recognized as the Border Guard Force; (4) the ZPCC/ZRA must be allowed to move in Tedim and Tonzang; (5) the ZPCC/ZRA must completely get rid of the PDF and the CDF, and must fight against the armed organizations in Kalay, Kabaw and Tamu to expell; (6) the ZPCC/ZRA must arrest those who have joined the CDM; (7) the ZPCC/ZRA must plot various stories and hurt the images of the CNF, the CDF and PDF and must fight against them, regarding as enemy.

However, the ZRA explained that it didn't cooperate with the Myanmar Tatmadaw and any agreements were not reached between the two sides.

CNI News

10 May 2024

A multi-party democratic general election would be mandatorily held, said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of the State Administration Council, on the night of 8th May 2024.

He said the above while he released the news about the meeting of Cambodian president of the senate Hun Sen and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC.

" We have guaranteed the people to build a democracy and federalism-based union. We will mandatorily hold a multi-party democratic general election. We are making preparations for that. And we have laid down five point road map. We'll carry out mandatorily in accordance with the road map." said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun.

To hold a general election is included in the road map.

While the UEC was meeting with political parties

However, the SAC has not clearly said when the election will be held. Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said that census-taking would be conducted all over the country in 2024 after which the election would be held. And then, the power would be handed over to the winning party.

It was necessary to end or reduce armed conflicts taking place within Myanmar and to have stability and peace so that the election could be held. The election could be  held in 2025, reviewed political parties.

Having said that the NLD government was trying to form a government without resolving the ballot disputes, the Tatmadaw overthrew the NLD government and took power.

After that, the Tatmadaw formed a caretaker government called the State Administration Council and is making preparation to hold the election again.

CNI News

10 May 2024

Instead of using the Kalay-Tamu-Kalaywa order trade, the main border trade route of the Myanmar-India border trade, another route is being used, according to Tamu traders.

Not only had India closed the border trade, the territory along the Kalay-Tamu road was unstable. So, jungle routes and waterways were being used, traders said.

Even if India opened the border trade gate when the route on the Myanmar side was not safe, jungle route only would be used, Ko Min Ko, a trader from Tamu, told CNI News.

" If the main road has been closed due to many problems, we have to use jungle route to carry goods by motorcycle. There is a waterway between Kalay and Kalewa. Khampat Village is on the way of the waterway, from which goods are carried to Kalay by car. Some traders carry their goods to Kalewa. If the routes between Monywa and Kalay were closed, goods are carried from Kalewa to Monywa by waterway. Even if India opens the border trade gate when there have been no stabilities' on the Myanmar side, Locals have to make a living at their own convenience." he said.

While seeing Tamu PDF

There are three rotes in the Myanmar-India border trade and they are Tamu-Kalewa-Taze- Ye U - Monywa (Mahamyaing Route), Mandalay-Tamu-Kalewa-Monywa (Yargyi Route) and Mandalay-Tamu-Kalay-Gangaw-Pale-Monywa-Mandalay and they were used to trade in the past. However, these routes are not used due to territorial instabilities at present.

Because of the communal riots that took place in Manipur State, India has closed the border trade and only after the riots could be resolved, the border trade would be reopened, U Hla Maung, from the border traders association (Tamu-Kaly-Kalewa).

" India is more important for the border trade. Ethnic problem between Kuki and Meitei has been taking place for long in Manipur State, India. It's not safe in their territory. The problem is complex in their country. Unless the problem cannot be resolved, the border trade cannot be officially reopened." he said.

While seeing Tamu PDF

If the Tamu-Moreh border trade gate, one of the Myanmar-India border trade gates, was reopened, Tamu locals could enjoy job opportunities. Moreover, higher prices and
shortage of goods could be reduced.

At present, India has closed the Tamu-Moreh border trade, the Tamu-Kalay-Kalewa border trade, the Paletwa-Mizoram border trade and the Pansaung border trade. So, the Myanmar-India border trade is being conducted illegally reportedly.

CNI News

10 May 2024

There are reviews and discussions among political circles in relation to whether a political dialogue could emerge in 2024. 

Former Cambodian PM Hun Sen and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council online on 7th May, 2024 and Hun Sen requested Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing to allow him to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

In the same way, former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra met with delegates from the RCSS, the KNU, the KNO, the KNPP and the NUG and discussed to help solve the Myanmar political crisis.

Because of attempts from neighboring countries and international for the Myanmar issue, a political dialogue could emerge to solve the Myanmar political crisis, U Tun Aung Kyaw, member of the policy steering committee from the Arakan National Party (ANP) told CNI News.

While seeing General Saw Mutu Say Phoe and the Chinese Special Envoy

" ASEAN members and neighboring countries are particularly worried about Myanmar. Battles are so severely breaking out. The situation in which Myanmar government was called Yangon Government in 1948-49 or so has come again, I think. They seem to be worried that their economies might be damaged. So, they are making efforts to make Myanmar peaceful." He said.

Former Cambodian PM and the Thai officials attempt to be able to hold a political dialogue in general. 

No matter how severe battles are breaking out, discussions must be conducted at the political roundtable after all to end these conflicts. So, a dialogue path might emerge.

While seeing senior Tatmadaw officers

With the political landscapes that emerged on 1st February, 2021, armed conflicts have been widely taking place and it cannot be solved up to now.

He hoped that the steps forwards could be taken to widen the political dialogue frame in 2024, Saw Kyaw Kyunt, spokesperson of the 7 EAO Alliance, told CNI News.

" A news political dialogue is really needed to be held. We have never seen our country whose war frame is wider than the political frame. While we are facing various difficulties, we'd like to hope that steps forwards can be taken this year." he said.

Because of domestic armed conflicts, all sectors including politics, peace, economy, education, health and so in Myanmar are deteriorating. some EAOs, some political parties, ASEAN and international organizations are trying in order to solve the crises.

CNI News

9 May 2024

A public meeting that contains religious leaders and the Karen EAO leaders was held on 7th May 2024 in order to stop fighting and to be able to build the peace processes. 

Religious leaders led and held the public meeting at Mesameik Monastery, Hline Bwe Township, Pa-an District in the KNU's Brigade-7 territory.

Bodh Gayā Sayadaw Buddanta Sandawara served as the chairman of the meeting and Mesameik Sayadaw Buddanta Sanda, as the master of ceremony.

The meeting was attended by  Padoh Saw Aung Maung Aye, chairman of Pa-an District of the KNU, Col. Saw Kyaw Than Htay from the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt from the KNU/KNLA Peace Council, Mahn Pyi Aung Soe, chairman of the Karen National Democratic Party and Padoh Saw Shwe Maung, chairman of Dooplaya istrict of the KNU.

While seeing the leaders from Karen ethnic armed groups at the public meeting with religious leaders on 7th May, 2024

Moreover, Kyettuyway Sayadaw Buddanta Sandaw Bartha, Pharpon Township Kokkrat Monastery Sayadaw U Tayzaniya, Myawaddy Taunggalay Sayadaw Buddanta Aggawantha, Paing Kyon Baptist Pastor Saw Soe Lal. A total of about 1,000 people including religious leaders, Pa-an District leaders and local people attended the meeting reportedly.

Because the KNU/PDF joint forces waged battles to capture Myawddy, Karen State in early April, battles severely broke out when border trade stopped and local people had to flee to safety.

Moreover, battles took place severely in Kawkareik Township, Karen State as well, houses in the town were damaged and some local people were also killed.

After that, religious leaders and some leaders of the Karen ethnic armed groups are making an attempt in order to stop fighting and to make peace.

CNI News

9 May 2024

Not only are there territorial instabilities along the Myanmar-China border trade routes, check points of armed groups along the route have also asked for more money along. So, the prices of goods imported from China are getting higher reportedly.

Because of higher trade costs like that, more Thai goods could enter Myanmar than the Chinese goods.

Although the Thai goods are pricey, because the Thai products are of good quality and the trade route with Thailand is fast and smooth, more Thai goods could be imported, U Thiha Paing, founder of the Via Logistics and Supply Chain, told CNI News.

" Because the trade route going to the Chinese border is not good, More Thai products are imported. Some Thai products are of better quality. Thailand tries to lower the prices of its goods. Traders import the goods that will make a profit for them. For example, if the price of the Thai detergent is the same as that of China, the Thai detergent will be imported because the trade route with Thailand is short." he said.

However, the kinds of products coming in from China are different from those coming in from Thailand. The products coming in from China are electrical equipment, construction materials, motorcar spare parts and kitchen wares and those coming in from Thailand are mainly cosmetics and foodstuffs.

While seeing the cargo trucks

According to trade route conditions, however, the Chinese products are getting higher while the Thai products are of better quality. So, the Thai market can take the place of the Chinese market.

Although textile was imported from China in the past, it is being imported from Thailand now, added U Thiha paing.

" Largely, Myanmar imports electric products from China such as mobile phone handsets. But most of the Thai products are of better quality.At present Thailand already dominates the textile market a little." he said.

The people would choose the Thai products that were of better quality if the prices were the same as those of the Chinese products, U Htay Aung Kyi, a banking expert, told CNI News.

"Those born in the 1960s have been using Thai products. So, China is competing with the price. But the Thai products have been better since before. For example, motorcar windshield glass and mirrors that are made in Thailand are of better quality than those made in Taiwan. So, the people will choose better products if there is a narrow gap between the prices." he said.

It is not easy for goods to flow at present because battles are breaking out along the maing border trade routes with China and Thailand. So, the people are facing scarcity of some goods and higher prices.

While seeing the Myawaddy border trade zone

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP), the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Arakan Army (AA) are active along the Myanmar-China border trade routes.

Moreover, the Karen National Union (KNU), the Border Guard Force of Karen State, the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) and the KNU/KNLA Peace Council are active along the Thai-Myanmar border trade routes.

Although the freight prices were 20 to 50 lakh kyats on the trade route with China in the past, now the prices have been 150 lakh kyats because of monetary requests from armed groups and higher tax rates at the checkpoints.

Although there are organizations that ask for money on the trade route with Thailand, there are just fewer than on the trade routes with China reportedly.

CNI News

8 May  2024

As a bomb blast took place on the Malaysia-Thailand border, the Malaysian authorities have tightened security at the border. 

So, Both those who would sneak into Malaysia and those who would come back from Malaysia needed to be careful, Myanmar organizations in Malaysia told CNI News.

Because of tightening like that, some of the people who would illegally come back from Malaysia and sneak into the country were arrested and others escaped without being arrested, U Barbu Gyi, a person who is helping in the affairs of Myanmar citizens, told CNI News.

" The Malaysian authorities are tightening more security along the border. Those who will sneak into Malaysia could find it difficult a lot. Many people of them were arrested. At any rate, it is not convenient for those who will illegally enter. There are arrests almost everyday. You can see about 30 Myanmar citizens in the courts at the border areas." he said.

The bomb blast took place in Sungai Golok District, southern Thailand on 29th April, 2024. So, While those who will sneak into or those who will come back are finding it difficult, brokers are taking advantage of the situation and asking more money reportedly.

Because there are more and more scam brokers, Myanmar citizens should not come to Malaysia through illegal channels, U Aung, chairman of Yadana Sekka Funeral Service, told CNI News.

" Malaysian authorities have tightened more security along its border areas. Barrier gates have been placed at many places. It's getting more difficult to pass than before. But there might be some channels that you can enter. You have to pay more money. Agents are also increasing. You need to have a reliable agent and connecting with with relatives or friends who have already been in Malaysia, if you have to pay in Malaysia, it is convenient. If you go like in the past, you probably will be cheated. There are many liars who don't take responsibility or accountability." he said.

Jobs are still scarce in Malaysia and Ricarli Braci permit stickers will be issued at the end of June at the latest. There might be more arrests after June, reviewed people.

Moreover, Malaysia has stopped recruitment by demand letters and frauds of brokers and agents should be watched out, suggested organizations in Malaysia.