Insurgents’ unruly manners over seizing territories lead to warlordism

18/02/2025 13:51

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Phyo/ Pearl (NP News) - Feb 18

Executive Director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategic Studies U Thein Tun Oo stated that the actions taken by insurgents who seize territories is conflicting with the ideology of federalism and it is behaving as the warlords.

In recent days, armed groups in Chin State announced that anyone wishing to live within the Mindat township under their control must pay a fee. Similarly, armed groups in Kayah State have also stated that people wishing to enter or reside in areas they control must obtain permission through a border-crossing pass.

As a matter of fact, there have been reports of discrimination against ethnic Shan people in areas controlled by the TNLA, with the enforcement of a Palaung-first policy. In schools, the Palaung language has been strictly enforced as a compulsory subject.

"In terms of indigenous rights and territorial reclamation, no matter how much they speak about fighting for their rights, their current actions are moving toward the warlordism. It's like they own the land and can rule it as they please," said U Thein Tun Oo.

The actions of armed groups controlling territories are heading toward a situation where compromise is no longer possible. He continued that if a federal system is to be established, these groups will need to change their approach.

"Controlling territories doesn’t mean they can do whatever they want. What they truly desire is becoming clearer, and it’s not federalism. Even if they claim to fight for equality among ethnics, it’s clear they are heading to practice the warlordism. This approach will not bring desired results. If they truly want a federal system, they will need to change their behaviour. Othe­rwise, their actions will not lead to a positive future," he said.