MANDALAY, Myanmar – October 19th, 2024: An explosion occurred at the Chinese Consulate in Mandalay on the evening of October 18th, causing some damage to the building. The explosion took place around 4:30 PM at the consulate located in Chanmyathazi Township, Mandalay, the cultural capital of Myanmar.

Security personnel who responded to the incident found that the blast had occurred on the roof of the two-story consulate building, causing approximately 2 feet of damage to the roof tiles. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or other significant damages.

The Information Team of the ruling State Administration Council released a statement on October 19th, confirming that security forces are working closely with consulate officials to investigate the cause of the explosion and apprehend those responsible. Additional security measures have been implemented in the area to ensure safety and prevent further incidents.
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Nay Pyi Taw, October 15 – At the 9th anniversary of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, made a strong declaration against armed terrorist groups, stating that their demands will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Speaking at the ceremony in Nay Pyi Taw, the Senior General emphasized that Myanmar’s conflicts stem from political differences and should be resolved solely through peaceful dialogue at the negotiating table. "There will be no concessions to the demands of armed terrorists," he asserted. "Only through peaceful discussions can we achieve solutions."

He further urged all groups to respect the NCA and work toward national unity, underlining the importance of maintaining the agreement as the path to peace. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing called upon all ethnic armed groups and all parties to join in addressing political issues through peaceful means, rather than violence.

The Senior General criticized rebel terrorist groups, including the MNDAA, TNLA, and AA, for worsening the socio-economic conditions in the country, accusing them of pursuing separatist agendas under the guise of political motivations. "Their actions are nothing more than terrorism masked as political movements," he said, adding that the Tatmadaw will continue necessary measures to counter their activities.

Public collaboration with the military has increased, the Senior General noted, as people grow weary of terrorism and are actively cooperating in anti-terrorism efforts. He urged the public to remain vigilant against terrorist manipulation, assuring that the Tatmadaw will carry out the necessary actions to protect the nation from insurgent threats.

The Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, which was signed by eight Ethnic Armed Organizations on October 15, 2015, under the government of then-President Thein Sein, remains a cornerstone for peace efforts in Myanmar.

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Today, 2 October 2024, is the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, was a social activist, leader and philosopher and the foremost icon of peace and justice in the world. It is in his honour that 2nd October is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti every year. Albert Einstein had said on Mahatma Gandhi “Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth”.

Referred to as “the great soul” or “Mahatma,” Gandhi visited Myanmar three times: in 1902, 1915 and 1929. He had great affection and concern for the people of Myanmar. He was deeply influenced by the teachings of Lord Buddha. Gandhi's integration of Buddhist principles shaped his vision for a just society based on ‘Dharma’.

Speaking at a public meeting at Mahabandoola Park on 8th March, 1929 he had shared the message of “Swaraj” or “self-rule”, against British colonial rule. But his message also provided a political tool that empowered people of diverse communities to peacefully, and justly, deliberate on different issues. In fighting for ‘Swaraj,’ he also fought for the idea of a nation that envisions a society where higher goals of ‘Dhamma’ are cherished. He shared that the path to true liberation is rooted in dialogue, social reform, and in the pursuit of the ultimate goal: to uplift the poor and provide them a life of dignity. In this pursuit, Mahatma Gandhi had once said “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

As we all know, India is a land of great diversity, with a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. It is a country where diverse religions, ethnicities, caste, languages — and many others — coexist and flourish. There is no other example of the immense scale and size of diversity, of language, culture and religion, as India, yet moving forward cohesively and purposefully, as the largest democracy and fastest growing major economy of the world. India has forged its own path, under the guidance of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, who recognized and accepted that true happiness exists in celebrating this diversity. It is the only way to ensure harmony in a diverse society. Pluralism should not merely be a backdrop, it should be the very essence of identity.

Just as family members look out for one another, the people of India and Myanmar have always stood firmly by and steadfast with each other as kith and kin. It is in times of crisis that such bonds and values are truly tested. Most recently, India was the first responder, in the form of “Operation Sadbhav” after flash floods caused by Typhoon Yagi devastated vast regions and states of Myanmar. 53 tonnes of aid material was handed over by India to the Myanmar authorities within two days of the call for assistance. In past cases of natural disasters like Cyclone Nargis, Cyclone Mocha and COVID-19 pandemic, India had helped with a readiness that reflects a genuine concern for its Myanmar brothers and sisters, without any expectations or setting any conditions in return. India has shown time and again that it is Myanmar’s friend in need and a friend indeed.

Mahatma Gandhi had once said: “My life is my message”. In today’s complex world, the principles embodied by Gandhi are not just historical anecdotes; they can be an essential guide for our collective future. We must navigate our country’s ship with the same wisdom, same resolve and same compassion. Gandhi’s principles should guide us to rise above narrow differences and act now, to bring peace and harmony for the collective benefit for the people of Myanmar.

 ( This article was contributed by Embassy of India in Yangon, Myanmar)

Nay Pyi Taw , September 26, 2024

The ruling body of Myanmar, the State Administration Council (SAC), has urged organizations opposing the state to abandon violence and pursue political engagement instead, seeking solutions to political issues through electoral channels.

The statement published on September 26 made an offer that could pave the way for political dialogue.

The statement reads: "In light of the suffering and losses caused by armed conflict and violence within the nation, and to achieve lasting peace and development together with the people, we call on the armed groups opposing the state, including ethnic armed organizations, residual violent groups, and the PDF, to abandon the path of armed conflict. We invite them to pursue a political route, whether through party politics or electoral processes, to resolve political issues through political means."

The statement noted that the process of collecting census data to ensure the accuracy of the voter list for the upcoming multi-party general elections will commence on October 1. This period will also be dedicated to preparations and efforts to ensure a smooth electoral process.

The SAC's announcement indicates that the Tatmadaw (military) has formed the State Administration Council in line with the constitutional framework, ensuring balanced representation of both military and civilian members. Additionally, it has established and is actively implementing a roadmap and objectives.

"The SAC aims to conduct free and fair multi-party democratic elections and transfer power to the resulting government. However, the decision of certain individuals and groups to pursue armed conflict and violence instead of resolving political issues peacefully has resulted in significant losses in human resources, essential infrastructure, and the well-being of citizens. This situation has severely undermined national stability, peace, and development," the statement said.

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NAY PYI TAW, July 31— Myanmar’s State Administration Council  Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated that elections will initially be held in areas with stable security conditions.

He emphasized the necessity of enhancing security in unstable areas before elections can take place. This remark was made during today's National Defence and Security Council meeting at the SAC Chairman’s office.

The entrenchment of multi-party democracy and necessary reform tasks can only be speedily implemented if stability is ensured; therefore, any measures related to security matters should be continued and accelerated, he told NDSC members, according to SAC’s press release

SAC said earlier that the national census is scheduled for October, with the national election to follow next year.

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Nay Pyi Taw, July 31

Myanmar has extended its state of emergency for another six months, according to a press release from the State Administration Council (SAC). The decision was made during a meeting of the National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) held on May 31 in Nay Pyi Taw.

The meeting, chaired by Acting President (Duty) and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, resulted in a unanimous decision. Attendees included Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U Ti Khun Myat, Union Minister for Defense Admiral Tin Aung San, Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt General Yar Pyae, and Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt General Tun Tun Naung. The SAC Secretary and Joint Secretary were also present as invited attendees.

During the meeting, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing explained the reasons for extending the state of emergency. He emphasized the need to maintain peace and stability in light of ongoing terrorist acts and highlighted the necessity of conducting a national census to ensure valid and accurate ballots. Following his briefing, all NDSC members discussed the current situation and agreed to extend the state of emergency for another six months, in accordance with Article 425 of the 2008 State Constitution, as stated in the press release.

The state of emergency, initially declared following the military takeover in February 2021, has seen multiple extensions as the SAC continues to navigate the nation's complex political situations.

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