Myanmar ; the fallacy of “Freedom fighters” versus Junta - Introduction
Myanmar ; the fallacy of “Freedom fighters” versus Junta
Elections in the midst of the power struggle between Bamar NUG and Bamar Junta and the place of Ethnic Army Organizations (EAOs) in this conflict.
Introduction
An objective analyzer with critical mind does not rely on US-Western sources for his search for the truth on a given issue. He seeks, studies and speak of the objective realities and objective truth to expose the manipulative, false narratives presented to be the truth. He recognises and relies on objective sources independent of subjectivity to seek and determine the objective reality which alone is capable of giving us objective truth. The recognition of objective truth is essential in order to make objective analyses on any given subject. General knowledge consists mainly of relative truths if not manipulated false one. Relative truth is a step on the way to mastering the absolute truth in general and objective truth in any given particular. " Absolute truth are historically conditional, but the existence of this truth is unconditional...as in all other areas of science, one should reason dialectically, that is, not assume our knowledge is ready and unchanged, but analyze how knowledge comes from ignorance, how incomplete, inaccurate knowledge becomes more complete and more accurate." (1)
Most everyone in the world,
including the people of Myanmar have been manipulated with the
bombardment of false narratives through US-Western media and their proxy Medias
in the region. Typical narratives repeated constantly by the Western Media
creates a false reality that serves only to the interests of narrators.
These narratives become a “recipe” or “general rule” applicable to all cases
which fits the interests of the narrators. “In politics, in which sometimes
extremely complicated relationships have to be dealt with, but it would
be absurd to concoct a recipe, or general rule that would serve in all cases. One
must have the brains to analyze the situation in each separate case.” (2)
“Dialectical method forbids the employment of “ready-made schemes” and
abstract formulas. It demands, first, that we should consider things, not
each by itself, but always in their interconnection with other things. (3)
“Genuine dialectics, proceeds by means of a thorough, detailed analysis of a
process in all its concreteness. The fundamental thesis of dialectics is: there
is no such thing as abstract truth, truth is always concrete.” (4)
The question of Myanmar and the
situation within is nuanced and defies any simplistic answers about
alliances and any propaganda
thereupon. There are so many misperception created by the US-Western Media
defying the facts and implanting their false “realities” through
narratives; such as the genocide in Rohingya-Sunni Muslim region is not carried
out during military rule, especially not after the Junta but during the “democratic” rule of NLD now it is called NUG, the refugee
camps are not built and filled after the Military Coup, but goes back decades
to 1996.
Lets study what the truth is
in Myanmar that contradicts the
entire narratives of US-West shaping the perspectives of all.
Is it a “National fight” against
Junta? Is it primarily a fight between the two elite groups of
same dominant ethnic group of Myanmar? Are all the ethnic groups fighting
Junta? Which ethnic groups are in “peace
and/or cease fire agreement ” with Junta, which ones are not? Does the PDF, the
military faction of Washington based “Myanmar Government in Exile, NUG” really
“dominates” and “leads” the so called “national fight” in Myanmar? Who and
where the EAOs (Ethnic Armed Organizations) are and do their ultimate
political objectives coincide with that of NUG-PDF or contradicts? Do all the
EAOs have an “alliance” with the NUG-PDF or it is a temporary “tactical” unity? Is there any
infighting among the EAOs? Is there any “ideological unity” among
all? Is there any EAOs with strong
Marxist character ? If so, what are the chances of their “alliance” with
US-backed PDF- who controls whom for its own objectives?
Based on the verifiable objective
realities (not based on the narratives) , I will try to respond to each question in order to debunk
the “false realities” created by “false narratives”. My fundamental
thesis is that; 1) As it was in the case
of Gaza and Ukraine, the “start date” of the conflict arbitrarily and
consciously preselected to be 2021 with Junta, 2) Not every Ethnic Group- Army
is against Junta, 3) the political objective of each ethnic group varies
but does not align with the political objective of NUG-PDF 4) Contrary to the Western narratives NUG-PDF
is not the dominant power controlling and leading all the ethnic armies 5)
The narrative that the “Elections were sham” and “violent” does not
reflect the reality 6) The “civil war” in Myanmar is, in its core and in its
particular a power struggle between the two factions; Bamar
dominated Junta and Bamar dominated NUG-PDF, and in general; it is a reflection
of conflict between China-Russia and the US.
A look at to the Ethnic groups
in Myanmar
The major ethnic groups with
their estimated populations and related information is as
following;
1. Bamar (Burman)
- Estimated Population (2025): + - 38
million
- Percentage of Total Population: +-70%
Bamar makes up the larger
majority group who has been historically dominant in politics, military, and
culture. Bamars inhabit the central plains and the Irrawaddy River basin with
presence in different ratios in various region all over the nation. Bamar
central region makes up of % 50-+ Myanmar land which is 676,578 Km2 or
261,228 Mile2.
2. Shan
- Estimated Population (2025): 6 +-
million
- Percentage of Total Population: 9+- %
Shan people primarily live in the
vast Shan State in the east. The name "Shan" is said to be related to
"Siam" (Thailand). They have their own distinct Tai-Kadai language
and culture and have a long history of seeking autonomy.
Shan State is where the Marxist
Leninist and the Communist Party of Burma (CPB) has a powerful base along the China border centered around the town of Panghsang in the Wa
region and adjacent areas of Kachin State. Historically it had its
main stronghold in the Pegu Yoma (Bago Yoma) range which is rich in minerals,
including metal ores, petroleum, and natural gas, mineral oil and also has
significant deposits of precious and semi-precious stones.
Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army
(MNDAA) is a Kokang ethnic armed group that was originally part of
the CPB until its collapse in 1989. It retains a strong Marxist-Leninist
ideological character in its political education and governance model. Its area
of operations is now significantly expanded across northern Shan.
Other former CPB factions, like
the Wa State Army (UWSA), govern their own territory as a de facto
state. They maintain a socialist-style party structure. Marxist thought remains
a significant influence within the political education programs of several EAOs
(like the KIA and the CNF) and within the intellectual circles of the
broader movements.
3. Karen (Kayin)
- Estimated Population (2025): 5 +-
million
- Percentage of Total Population: 7+- %
Karen is made up of a diverse
group with many sub-groups. Predominantly Christian, Buddhist, and animist, situated
along the Myanmar-Thailand border in Kayin State and the Irrawaddy
Delta. The Karen National Union (KNU) is one of the oldest ethnic armed
organizations. KNU allows PDF to train and operate within its territories
(e.g., in KNU's Brigade 5 and 6 areas), provides crucial sanctuary, training,
and weapons. However, the KNU retains control. Officially rejected the
election and forbade campaigning and voting in its administered areas of
Kayin (Karen) State and parts of Bago Region. KNU threatened legal
action under its own governance systems against anyone participating in or
facilitating the election process.
4. Rakhine
- Estimated Population (2025): 4 +-
million
- Percentage of Total Population: 5+-%
Rakhine region is a complex
subject that requires extensive study by and for itself. With the
presence of large Rohingya- Sunni Muslim and Buddhist population inhabiting on
the western coast, the problems of Rakhine is multiple with the involvement
of India-Manipur and Pakistan. Each has a distinct language and cultural
identity with their own ethnic armed organization. The Rohingya Muslim
population in Rakhine State was estimated at over 1 million in 2017. Following
the “Civil Democratic Government’s” crackdown, over 700,000 fled to Bangladesh.
The Arakan Army (AA) is a Rakhine nationalist force. Arakan Rohingya Salvation
Army (ARSA) -formerly Harakah al-Yaqin- is a Muslim militant group.
Historically, it fought only in
Rakhine State. However, since the coup, it has deployed thousands of troops far
beyond its ethnic homeland. It is a leading member of the Three Brotherhood
Alliance, which conducted Operation 1027 in northern Shan State (hundreds of
miles from Rakhine). Furthermore, the AA has now opened a second major
front in the Bamar heartland of Sagaing Region, fighting alongside local
PDFs against the junta. They are not just defending Rakhine; they are
expanding their operational reach to cripple the junta nationally and
increase their bargaining power for a future federal union.
The AA's current offensive has
been fought “in alliance with the CNF”. They jointly captured key towns like
“Paletwa in Chin State”. This means the AA is directly involved in fighting
alongside the ethnic kin of the Kuki-Zo people of Manipur. For the Kuki-Zo
in Manipur, the AA's success against the Myanmar military is seen as weakening
a common adversary. ***
It is not a coincidence that Rakhine
State (led by the Arakan Army), a Rakhine nationalist force that has paused
its “own” war with the NUG to fight the junta- a local power struggle
between the Rakhine-nationalist AA and the NUG for control of the resistance in
Rakhine State. As I have noted the
question of Rakhine is a complex question to take up here, but it is important
to emphasize that the genocide in that region is not carried out after Junta
but before Junta during the NGU government and the leader Aung San Suu Kyi
publicly defended the genocide.
5. Mon State
- Estimated Population (2025): 2+- million
- Percentage of Total Population: 2-+%
Mons Inhabit in Mon State and
parts of Kayin State and the Irrawaddy Delta. The Mon are considered one of the
earliest peoples in the region and had a major influence on Bamar culture,
including Theravada Buddhism.
6. Chin State
- Estimated Population (2025): 1.5 -+
million
- Percentage of Total Population: 2-+%
Chin is a collective name
for numerous related sub-groups in the Chin State in western Myanmar who
are made up of Christians, Buddhist, and Animists. Inner
struggle between the north and south and south’s alliance with the Arakan
(Rakhine) Army who claims land in the region intensified the clashes within the
region.
Chin National Front (CNF)
seems to have an integrated command
structure with that of PDF at the Chin’s border region to North West central
Myanmar, effectively merging Baram local resistance with the experienced Chin ethnic army. Joined the widespread
boycott, aligning with the anti-SAC resistance. The intense conflict in
Chin State made the administration of elections unfeasible.
Chin National Army (CNA) and Chin Brotherhood Alliance (CBA) has
inner fight within Chin territory. CNA allies with Arakan Army (AA) in their
territory gains with Chin State.
7. Kachin
- Estimated Population (2025): 1 - +
million
- Percentage of Total Population: 1.5-+ %
Kachin Inhabit in Kachin State in the far north. Predominantly
Christian (Baptist and Catholic). The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has been
in conflict with the central government for decades over autonomy and
control of natural resources. (KIA) while trying to maximize its territorial
gains beyond its region, provides training, weapons, and direct combat
support to PDFs in Sagaing and Kachin State. Its armed wing, the Kachin
Independence Army (KIA), publicly opposed the election. The political
atmosphere and active conflict in Kachin State made holding polls largely impossible
in contested areas.
8. Kayah (Karenni)
- Estimated Population (2025): 300,000 - +
- Percentage of Total Population: 0.5-+%
- Karenni Inhabit in the small Kayah State.
Predominantly Christian and animist. One of the smallest major ethnic
states. Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF) is (formed) and/or
supported by pro US-NUG like PDF. Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA)
Ethnic Army has been fighting for Autonomy since 1960s. (KNA) Karen
National Army is made up of Buddhist Force and in peace with the Junta.
Other than Myanmar’s own
indigenous minorities, there are significant ethnic minorities due to migration
during the colonial era.
1. Chinese
- Estimated Population (2025): 2-+ million
- Percentage of Total Population: +-4%
- Chinese
makes up a significant community in Mandalay, Yangon, and the
Kokang region in northern Shan State.
2. Indians
- Estimated Population (2025): 2 + million
- Percentage of Total Population: + - 4%
- Indians inhabit primarily in major cities like
Yangon and Mandalay who mostly are descendants of migrants during the
British colonial period.
What the Western Narratives
conceals is the fact that out of all the states, there are five
self-administered zones and one self-administered division that have their
own "leading bodies". The Wa State is a prime example of a
highly autonomous, de facto independent, self-governing region with its own
military and administrative systems.
Next; Are all ethnic armies in official alliance with the US-Backed PDF?
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