Communist Party of Burma warns revolutionary factions against infighting as territorial disputes escalate

Mizzima

The Communist Party of Burma (CPB) issued a formal statement on 2 March condemning recent armed clashes between allied revolutionary forces and warning that internal friction only serves to prolong the lifespan of the military dictatorship.

Reflecting on the history of the armed struggle since 1948, the CPB characterized current tensions as “conflicts between allies” that must not be resolved through military means, urging all resistance groups to refocus their weapons on the “Three Military Evils” – the junta, its administration, and its bureaucratic apparatus.

This intervention comes amid a volatile period for the resistance, marked by significant territorial disputes in northern Shan State between members of the Brotherhood Alliance – specifically the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) – as well as ongoing friction between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and TNLA over tax collection and recruitment in overlapping regions.

The statement cautioned that diverting attention from the real enemy and pointing weapons at one another only serves to benefit the military dictatorship.

The CPB also stressed that at a time of global uncertainty driven by the dominance of major world powers, it is crucial for Myanmar’s revolution not to create a “second enemy,” but instead to forge stronger unity than ever before.

According to the party, the diversity of revolutionary organizations reflects the strength of the revolution. It said the successes currently being secured on various battlefields form the essential foundation for building a “Great Nationwide United Front.” At the same time, the CPB warned that any organization or individual who surrenders to the military junta would be regarded as a disgrace to the revolution.

After the 2021 military coup, the Communist Party of Burma (CPB) restructured its armed wing, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Since then, the PLA is active in Sagaing Region and northern Shan State. It took part in the offensives to seize the towns of Hseni and Kutkai during Operation 1027.  They are currently striving to gain a foothold as far as the Tanintharyi Region.

The CPB concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to promoting equality, mutual support, and unity among all revolutionary organizations.