Myanmar junta’s dialogue invitation fails to show genuine political will, says Chinland Council Secretary

Mizzima

The Myanmar military junta’s invitation to political dialogue does not yet demonstrate a genuine desire to resolve political issues through political means, Chinland Council (CC) Secretary Salai Kep Chin Thang told Mizzima.

A statement issued after the CC’s third council meeting of its second term, held from 23 to 25 July, said that if the junta genuinely seeks a political solution, it must first take four initial actions: immediately halting airstrikes on civilians as well as healthcare, educational, and religious buildings; allowing unimpeded humanitarian aid access to internally displaced persons (IDPs); ending forced military conscription; and immediately and unconditionally releasing all political prisoners. The Secretary elaborated on this stance in the interview.

“Our four initial points are not pre-conditions for talks. They are mandatory actions the military regime must take if they genuinely want a political solution. Inviting dialogue without implementing these shows they have no real desire for a political resolution,” the CC Secretary told Mizzima.

He said the junta’s invitation for revolutionary groups to engage in unconditional political talks under the 2008 Constitution, as part of a “100-day plan,” is an offer lacking any real guarantees.

The Secretary said that while the junta is orchestrating political dialogue to gain legitimacy, it must first build trust through practical actions, starting with the four initial steps, including stopping attacks on civilians.

The CC statement warned revolutionary forces to remain highly vigilant, noting that the junta may escalate military operations, target civilians, and exploit pressure from neighbouring and foreign nations to force separate meetings with individual revolutionary groups in order to secure its own legitimacy.

The council meeting, held 23-25 July, was attended by representatives from the parliamentary bloc, township and regional administration groups, and the Chin National Front (CNF), who collectively analyzed the current military and political landscape.

According to the statement, discussions also focused on strengthening cooperation between the three main pillars — the CNF, the parliamentary/MP bloc, and township and regional administrations — the Chinland Government (the executive body the Council appointed in 2024), and local administrations, as well as reinforcing the Chinland defense forces.

The Secretary said some ongoing processes cannot yet be disclosed but will be announced soon, and that efforts toward Chin national unity will continue through multiple channels. “Some matters are still in progress and cannot be released. For Chin national unity, we will continue through informal processes and various other methods to keep the doors of dialogue wide open,” he said.

The statement concluded by urging revolutionary forces to honor the public’s will and the goals of the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), avoid any pathways that legitimize the junta, and continue fulfilling their revolutionary duties toward systemic change.

The Chinland Council was established on 6 December 2023 — the date its constitution was adopted — with the goals of fostering Chin national unity and strengthening local governance. It currently comprises 20 member organizations.