During a meeting on December 4th, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of the coup Regime, the Military Council, emphasized the imperative for resolving the ongoing armed conflicts across the country through political channels.
The initiation of 'Operation 1027' by the Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State prompted offensives across various regions, including Kachin, Karen, Karenni , Chin, Rakhine, Mon States, and Sagaing, Magway, and Tanintharyi Regions, against the Military Council.
Faced with the daily loss of bases, outposts, and towns, the Military Council found itself in a dilemma. Subsequently, Min Aung Hlaing shifted his stance, acknowledging the need to address the issues through political means.
Min Aung Hlaing also issued an indirect threat, cautioning ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) against persisting in what he deemed stupid actions. He suggested that if such actions persist, the residents of the areas where these EAOs are situated may bear the brunt of the consequences. He urged EAOs.” to cease such unwise actions,” emphasizing the importance of exploring a political solution instead.
The Junta chief did not specify the details of the political strategy he intends to adopt for resolving conflicts through political channels. However he affirmed the Military Council's commitment to retaining the existing 2008 Constitution and upholding the principles of 'Our 3 Obligations.' He underscored that these positions would be maintained while moving towards the implementation of a federal union system.
In his address during the meeting, the Junta leader primarily denounced the Arakan Army (AA) and the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), both actively involved in fierce offensive engagements against the troops of the coup Regime.
Political analysts argue that despite expressing a desire for a compromise, the Military Council's insistence on retaining the 2008 constitution renders the prospect of a successful resolution as highly unlikely.
"The Military Council talks about political discussions now, but let us not forget they used the 2008 constitution to stage the coup. If anyone accepts their appeal despite their refusal to let go of the 2008 Constitution for dialogues, it's like stepping straight into their trap. No ethnic community will agree to this”, U Pe Than, a political analyst told DMG.
The ongoing period has witnessed the fiercest anti-Junta armed struggle nationwide. 'Operation 1027,' since the 2021 military coup. The Three Brotherhood Alliance and
'Operation 1027,' has paved the way for a stream of setbacks for the Military Council on multiple fronts. Unable to combat the resistance effectively, the Military Council resorts to unethical tactics such as increased airstrikes, drone strikes, and shelling targeting civilians, resulting in a daily surge in civilian casualties.
"Nowadays, lives are in jeopardy everywhere, as the Military Council poses a constant threat. The concern persists as we ponder when our fateful day may come”, a Rakhine resident said.
