Naung Cho (NAWNGHKIO) – July 21, 2025

Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC), Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, and Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Vice Senior General Soe Win, today urged the local ethnic residents of Naung Cho to cooperate with the Tatmadaw (Myanmar's armed forces) as it works to fully restore security and the rule of law in the town and its surrounding villages.

The Vice Senior General made the remarks during a visit to Naung Cho in northern Shan State on July 21. His visit included meeting with and honoring officers and soldiers who participated in the recent operations, inspecting the public hospital and schools damaged by terrorist insurgents, and holding a coordination meeting with departmental officials and local residents to address their needs.

"It is the responsibility of our Tatmadaw to ensure the safety and socioeconomic recovery of the people in Naung Cho Township," he stated. He explained that the military launched "Operation Aung Zeya," a counter-terrorism operation, from the Taung Khan (Tawnghkam) military base. He praised the troops for their relentless perseverance and determination, quoting their daily pledge to sacrifice their lives for the nation, its citizens, and the Tatmadaw, which he said led to the successful recapture and celebration of victory in Naung Cho.

The Vice Senior General clarified that the military had to conduct a phased withdrawal from the Naung Cho area, extending to the Taung Khan region and the Pyin Oo Lwin- Naung Cho township border, due to assistance provided to the opposing forces, which included advanced technology, encouragement, and support from behind the scenes.

He conveyed a primary directive from the Prime Minister: following the Tatmadaw's recapture of Naung Cho, the immediate priority is to reopen the basic education schools that have been closed for nearly a year. "In today's era of knowledge, academic education is essential for acquiring vocational skills," he said, emphasizing the need for students to return to their studies in a peaceful and happy environment.

Earlier in the day, Vice Senior General Soe Win attended a ceremony at the township hall to honor the victorious officers and soldiers. He commended them for upholding the proud traditions of the Tatmadaw and for bravely fighting with a "never-surrender" spirit to reclaim the town, thereby enhancing the military's prestige.

During the ceremony, he and Lieutenant General Naing Naing Oo from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) presented promotions to soldiers who had distinguished themselves on the battlefield.

Following the ceremony, the delegation visited a temporary hospital established jointly by the Tatmadaw and the Ministry of Health at the Mya Nan Taw Win Mingalar Hall. They met with and offered words of encouragement to local residents receiving medical care, distributing financial aid to the people and bonuses to the healthcare staff.

The Vice Senior General and his entourage also paid a visit to the HorTaw Monastery in the Southern Ward of Naung Cho. They paid their respects to the presiding monk and other members of the Sangha, offering Waso robes, cash donations for Navakamma, and other offertories. He informed the monks of the plans to swiftly restore and enhance the development of Naung Cho to a level exceeding its previous state of peace and prosperity, and discussed religious affairs and the health of the Sangha.

The presiding monk expressed his great joy at the Tatmadaw's success in retaking the town and offered blessings for the continued success and safety of all Tatmadaw personnel.

The report concluded by noting that the Vice Senior General and his team also inspected the Naung Cho Public Hospital, the Fire Services Department office, the No. (1) Basic Education High School, and the Naung Cho Myoma Police Station.

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