The dialogue in Naypyidaw has contributed to long-term peace, according to Nai Ong Mange, a Central Executive Committee member of the New Mon State Party (NMSP).
The peace dialogue, organized by the military junta’s National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC), took place in Naypyidaw from March 24 to 26. Participants included representatives from ethnic armed organizations that have signed ceasefire agreements, political parties, and business leaders.
Reflecting on the three-day discussions, Nai Ong Mange said, “The talks have been very beneficial. Moving forward, they will greatly support us in achieving lasting peace. Here, peace, stability, and development are all interconnected. That’s why participating in this three-day dialogue has been very helpful to us.”
Discussions reportedly covered conditions for holding elections in a stable and peaceful country, along with security issues.
However, resistance groups have criticized such peace talks and election preparations amid widespread armed conflict in the country, arguing that these actions serve only to prolong the military dictatorship.
Colonel Saw Sein Win from the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) expressed optimism about the dialogue, stating, “We primarily focused on ceasefire efforts and confidence-building. This was a space for open discussions. It will be even better if senior officials take further steps to implement these talks and if more dialogues like this can be held.”
Meanwhile, the military junta has suffered losses on multiple fronts in its ongoing conflict with resistance forces. At the same time, it continues targeting civilians with daily airstrikes and artillery shelling, resulting in ongoing civilian casualties.
