MNDAA releases 500 prisoners of war to honour traditional Chinese martyrs’ festival

Mizzima

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) granted amnesty to 500 prisoners of war (POWs) and nine inmates on 25 January 2026, in a humanitarian gesture marking the traditional Chinese “Da Jiao” festival.

According to a press release from the Kokang administration, the release followed a systematic screening process to identify detainees demonstrating “good moral character” during their imprisonment.

This latest cohort joins several previous groups of wounded soldiers, women, and children released since the MNDAA captured thousands of junta personnel during Operation 1027, including high-ranking officials like Brigadier General Htun Htun Myint.

However, revolutionary forces have claimed that some previously released senior officers, including Brigadier General Thant Htin Soe and Brigadier General Myo Min Htwe, are currently involved in the repression and massacre of civilians.

Under pressure from the Chinese government, the MNDAA handed over Lashio to the Myanmar junta in April 2025. In January 2026, the MNDAA announced it would reorganize the regions it controls – Laukkai, Kutkai, Hsenwi, and Mongko – into four districts and a capital, Kokang Special Region 1.