August 6, 2024

In an address broadcast on MRTV on August 5, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing used language that could incite ethnic tensions, particularly in the conflict-ridden northern Shan State. The military leader accused the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) of attacking areas with a minority ethnic presence in their efforts to expand territory.

“They are targeting areas where their ethnic groups are only a small percentage of the population. For example, in Lashio, Kokang people make up only about 20% of the population, mostly living in rural areas, while the majority in the town are Shan, Bamar, and Kachin,” Min Aung Hlaing stated. He added that in Kyaukme, Ta’ang people constitute only about 15% of the population, and in Naungcho, they are less than 1%, with Shan, Bamar, and Danu people being the majority.

He also claimed that the MNDAA was arresting and expelling Bamar residents from Laukkai. The military chief blamed the MNDAA, TNLA, the Karen National Union (KNU), the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Chin National Front (CNF), the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), and the Arakan Army (AA) for causing destruction in towns and villages due to their attacks on the military regime.

Min Aung Hlaing further accused the KNU of collaborating with other ethnic armed organizations to intensify fighting around the Sitthoung River. “We have received information that the KNU chairman and chief of staff are planning joint operations with Brigade 1, 3, and 5 in the area,” he said.

Additionally, he alleged that foreign countries were providing financial support, food, medical supplies, weapons, and technical assistance to the ethnic armed groups to aid their attacks against the military government.

The speech has drawn criticism for its inflammatory rhetoric and potential to exacerbate ethnic conflicts in the already volatile northern Shan State.