Myanmar junta urges rebels to stop being 'foolish', solve problems 'politically'

Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has urged armed ethnic groups engaged in an offensive against the country’s ruling military to seek political solutions. The Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper conveyed his warning that continued aggressive actions by armed organisations would adversely affect residents in the concerned regions. Emphasising the need to prioritise the well-being of the people, he urged these groups to address their issues through political means. The Myanmar military is confronting its most significant challenge since the 2021 coup, with three ethnic minority forces coordinating an offensive in late October. This effort has resulted in the capture of several towns, including key border trade zones and military posts. In response to Min Aung Hlaing’s call for dialogue, a parallel civilian government supporting some rebel groups rejected the proposal, reported Reuters. Kyaw Zaw, a spokesperson for the parallel National Unity Government, said, “As they are losing badly on the ground, they are trying to find an exit route. There would be genuine dialogue if the military guarantees that it no longer has a role in politics; they must be under an elected government.” Reports from Shan State on the China border, as well as Rakhine and Chin States in the west, indicate surrendering military and police officials. With inputs from Reuters