In an interview with the Independent Mon News Agency, Nai Hongsa, Chair of the New Mon State Party (NMSP), expressed that resolving the current internal issues in Myanmar through political means is not an easy task.
Chair, Nai Hamtha stated that the most effective approach to address the challenges of the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, which emerged following the military coup, is through political dialogue. However, he emphasized that the outcome heavily relies on Junta General Min Aung Hlaing, who currently holds power.
“It is not easy to resolve the current situation in Myanmar politically. I believe that much will depend on Min Aung Hlaing, who has assumed power. I must say that he is in a difficult position with limited options. He cannot seek refuge in any country, and his circumstances are already precarious. I am uncertain about how he will proceed. Will he attempt to reconcile with the National Unity Government (NUG) or reconcile with Aung San Suu Kyi? For revolutionary groups to accept him and engage in discussions, the military must withdraw from political involvement. If the Myanmar Junta agrees to this, the country can achieve peace. Otherwise, if Min Aung Hlaing maintains a tight grip on power, negotiations will face significant obstacles,” Nai Hongsa stated.
The New Mon State Party holds the view that the political problem should be resolved through political means and has already conducted more than 5 meetings with the Military junta.
According to news reports, the New Mon Party proposed to organize a comprehensive political discussion event, encompassing democratic forces such as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, to engage in talks with the Military Junta in order to resolve political problems through political means.
Nai Hongsa said, “The Military Junta continues to adhere to the provisions of their 2008 constitution. Whenever we engage in discussions, they consistently maintain their stance based on that framework. They haven’t shown any significant flexibility. As a result, our dialogue has been limited. However, we have managed to prevent escalations and maintain a ceasefire between both sides.”
In response to the political landscape, the New Mon State Party opted to decrease its level of participation in the Peace Process Steering Team (PPST), comprising ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) that have endorsed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).
After the Myanmar military coup on February 1, 2021, the armed resistance movement has gained momentum.
At present, armed clashes are occurring between the Military Junta and certain ethnic armed organizations, as well as the People’s Defense Forces and the Regional Defense Force, in states and regions such as Karen, Kayah, Chin, Magwe, and Sagaing.
Due to these armed conflicts, approximately 1.7 million people have been displaced from their homes, and an additional 17 million people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
