Defence and Security: National Defence and Security Council meeting in Nay Pyi Taw

The National Defence and Security Council held its meeting in Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by Pro-Tem President U Myint Swe, Vice President U Henry Van Thio, Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U Ti Khun Myat, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice Senior General Soe Win, Union Minister for Defence Admiral Tin Aung San, Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen YarPyae, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe, Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung, specially invited Secretary of the State Administration Council Lt-Gen Aung Lin Dwe, Joint-Secretary Lt-Gen Ye Win Oo, and Chairman of Kokang Self-administered Zone U Myint Swe. The Commander-in-Chief made explanation on the incidents in Shan State (North). He explained that MNDAA insurgent groups launched attacks on October 27th, targeting Laukkai and Chin Shwe Haw. He emphasized the historically related facts concening the attacks, including the drug eradication operation in 2009 at Laukkai Special Region (1) which was then led by Peng Jia Sheng, assigning U Baisuo Cheng temporarily for restoration of Kokang region, and appointment of U Baisuo Cheng, as the Chairman of the Leading Committee for Kokang Self-administered Zone after the election in 2010.

He continued that the current incident was led by Peng Daxin, son of Peng Jia Sheng who try to strengthen their force through drug production. After 2017, drug production and smuggling have been increased in Laukkai area along with other illegal works including gambling with the investments of foreign citizens. During the time of COVID-19, these gambling continues via online platform. PhonKyar Shin group conducted the attack as they want to settle back in Laukkai Special Region (1) after making preparation in advance since 2022.

He said the government has less focus on Laukkai area as priorities were made for combating COVID-19 and the uprisings. He added that there are 153 hotels in Laukkai and Chin Shwe Haw, and only 12 of them have permission from the Myanmar Investment Commission and the rest 141 was under the arrangement of the regional administrative body along with the investments of other countries.

There are online fraud cases and other illegal activities being engaged in these hotels, and 7,395 Chinese citizens, 189 Vietnamese, 162 Thais, 32 Malaysians and 2 Laos were arrested. He said efforts will be made for combating onlind frauds and illegal activities in cooperation with China by forming Task Force. He added that Muse and Chin Shwe Haw is the major route for border trade, and plans are underway to open new Kunlon Bridge, which was built by the assistance of China on November 11th.

The incident could harm the relations between Myanmar and China and officials from both countries are tackling the issue in careful manner. He stressed that necessary counter action will be made in cooperation with people for perpetuation of sovereignty, rule of law, regional peace and stability and protecting the lives and properties of people.

Vice President U Henry Van Thio and Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker discussed the measures for peace and stability, rule of law and humanitarian assistance for displaced persons. Vice Senior Soe Win explained the work undertakings by the Tatmadaw for restoring stability in Shan State (North).

This was followed by the update reports provided by the Union Ministers and attendees. In response to the reports, the Commander-in-Chief pointed out two main facts of drug eradication and capacity building of Myanmar Police Force since the major issue of current incident is drug problem. In order to effectively carry out the drug eradication tasks, Myanmar Police Force must be strong and capable.

He also said that negotiation has been made for repatriation of service personnel and citizens who fled from Chin Shwe Haw area, and will continue the security measures for protecting the lives and properties of people. Pro-Tem President U Myint Swe later discussed the need to handle the tasks systematically, and stressed that the entire nation must support Tatmadaw in this crucial time.