The military and political collaboration among the prominent armed revolutionary groups of Mon, including the New Mon State Party (Anti-Dictatorship) NMSP-AD, the Mon State Revolutionary Force (MSRF), the Mon State Defense Force (MSDF), and the Mon Liberation Army (MLA), has started taking shape.
On December 19, 2024, the MSRF, MSDF, MNLA-AD, and MLA convened and agreed to establish a unified Mon army. Following this agreement, the four revolutionary groups met again on January 17 in a liberated area and formed the “Ramanya Joint Task Force.”
According to Nai Maga, Deputy Spokesperson for the Ramanya Joint Task Force, the task force was established to expedite the creation of a unified Mon army.
Since the December meeting, the Mon revolutionary forces have conducted joint military operations and engaged in a series of coordinated battles.
Currently, the Mon revolutionary groups are jointly carrying out an intense military campaign in the southern part of Mon State, particularly in Ye Township.
Nai Naga, a spokesperson for the Mon State Revolutionary Force (MSRF), stated, “The battle in Kyon Laung is the first coordinated military operation involving all four Mon revolutionary groups. Moving forward, we plan to engage in more joint operations. The coordinated military campaign has already begun.”
The Mon revolutionary groups have been striving to unite into a single Mon army, driven by military necessities and the demands of the Mon people.
The formation of a unified military front has been welcomed and supported by Mon communities at home and abroad.
“One unified Mon army has not yet been realized, but we are pleased to see these groups fighting together as one. The Mon people have been waiting for this for a long time. Only through such unity can the military council’s forces be driven out of Mon regions,” said a Mon local.
The announcement of coordinated battles by the Mon revolutionary groups has sparked speculation about increased conflict intensity within the Mon region.
Political analysts observe that the growing unity among the Mon forces could lead to more extensive battles in 2025. However, large-scale offensives such as capturing towns or military bases may not be achievable.
“There are no indications of major battles in the Mon regions for 2025, but clashes could become more widespread than before. Mon groups are collaborating more closely now. The NMSP-AD has strengthened its manpower and weaponry, and the MSRF has ramped up military activities. However, large-scale offensives like town or base captures are unlikely this year,” said a Mon political analyst.
The ongoing clashes in Ye Township, led by the unified Mon revolutionary forces, could evolve into prolonged conflicts, potentially spreading to other Mon areas.
The formation of the Ramanya Joint Task Force by the four revolutionary groups marks a significant step toward the emergence of a unified Mon army.
