By Ko Myo | MPA
Northern Shan State, Myanmar — The leader of one of Myanmar’s most powerful ethnic armed groups has declared that its vast administrative territories were secured solely through military conquest rather than political dialogue, marking a triumphant tone during the group’s national day celebrations on Monday (January 12).
General Tar Aik Bong, Chairman of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), made the remarks during a speech honoring the 63rd Ta’ang National Revolution Day.
He emphasized to his troops that their current foothold was achieved through the “lives and blood” of fallen comrades.
This high status and value were not obtained through political or social discussions,” General Tar Aik Bong said. “It was achieved through brilliant battles fought with the lives, blood, and sweat of Ta’ang comrades.”
The General urged officers and soldiers to recognize the cost of their gains, noting the heavy price paid in killed and wounded personnel during the recent offensives.
A Shift in Tone Despite the martial rhetoric regarding past victories, analysts point to a subtle diplomatic shift in the group’s posture for the future.
Following a ceasefire brokered by China on October 28, 2025, the region has seen a pause in airstrikes and heavy shelling.
The TNLA leadership is now pivoting toward stability, urging collective responsibility to rebuild infrastructure destroyed during the war, including schools, hospitals, and bridges.
A Yangon-based political analyst told MPA that the language used in the group’s official statement signals a potential de-escalation.
“Summarizing the TNLA’s 63rd anniversary statement, we see a distinct reduction in revolutionary rhetoric,” the analyst observed. ” notably, the Central Committee’s statement uses the term ‘Tatmadaw’ [the military’s official name] instead of the derogatory terms usually reserved for the junta by resistance forces. It is a significant change.”
The TNLA Central Committee also issued a statement expressing a desire for an end to armed conflict across Myanmar and the emergence of genuine political reform.
General Tar Aik Bong concluded by expressing confidence that the PSLF/TNLA could overcome future challenges by working hand-in-hand with the public to maintain stability in their newly won territories.
