‘We have no reason to give the town back’—DPLA leader Tun Tun Naing

It has been nearly a full year since the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and its allies seized control of Nawnghkio. Since the end of February, Myanmar’s military has intensified its efforts to reclaim the key town in northern Shan State. By early June, its troops had reached Kan Gyi, a village about eight miles to the south, before being pushed back. Among the armed groups resisting this advance are the Danu People’s Liberation Army (DPLA), an ally of the TNLA. According to the group’s leader, Tun Tun Naing, the allied forces are determined to hold onto Nawnghkio, even as they come under growing pressure from China—which maintains close diplomatic ties with the junta—to hand it back to military control. Myanmar Now spoke with Tun Tun Naing recently about the fighting in Nawnghkio. Myanmar Now: It has been reported that the junta army is now close to Nawnghkio. What is the current battle situation there? Tun Tun Naing: As you know, Nawnghkio is a strategic location for military, economic, and transportation purposes. That’s why the junta army is intensifying its offensives. Their soldiers have suffered heavy losses, but our frontline fighters have observed that the junta is reportedly giving narcotics to their troops to force them to keep advancing. For example, as they advance in groups, we shoot many of them down, but those who survive just climb over their fallen comrades to keep moving forward. We’ve seen this happen frequently. They have been fighting like that. MN: Are you saying that the junta army has superior numbers compared to the resistance forces, and that’s why the resistance has had to retreat from some camps? TTN: It’s not just about numbers. The junta relies heavily on artillery, poison gas bombs, and continuous airstrikes. We do not use poison gas, nor do we have an air force to launch airstrikes. But we would be able to hold our ground if we had access to a fair amount of artillery, and we are working to meet that need. TNLA and allied forces at the Gokteik outside Nawnghkio (Photo: DPLA) MN: How many villages have the resistance forces lost in Nawnghkio so far, and where is the fighting currently taking place? TTN: The junta has captured around 10 or 11 villages, including those along the routes of Tha Yet Cho, Yar Pyin, Yae Hpyu, Nawng Leik, Taung Shey, and Nawnghkio Gyi. Their most recent advance reached Kan Gyi, but after we launched counterattacks, they were forced to retreat. Over the past two to three days, the fighting has lessened significantly. MN: How many residents have been forced to flee because of the fighting? And how are villagers in junta-controlled areas managing to escape? TTN: Some residents flee while others stay; it’s not everyone, but over 10,000 have fled so far. When junta forces first entered Yar Pyin and Tha Yet Cho, they gathered everyone together and confined them to monasteries. They continue this practice today. They only send informants to approach us, while the rest are not allowed to come. MN: Junta supporters claim that the junta army is advancing with two columns from Tawng Hkam and one column from Bant Bway toward Nawnghkio. What is the situation on the ground? TTN: They’re not advancing in organised columns. Instead, they move into areas where they think they have the upper hand, then pull back. From the start, at the locations I mentioned, it’s been more of a direct, head-to-head stand-off rather than a column advance. This pattern holds true in Bant Bway, along the Shwe Nyaung Pin route, and now near Tawng Hkam. This kind of back-and-forth is typical in these battles. DPLA fighters on the frontline (Photo: DPLA) MN: With the battle approaching Nawnghkio and China increasing its pressure on the TNLA, the public is worried that Nawnghkio might be handed back to the junta. If this happens, what are the DPLA’s plans moving forward? TTN: We have no reason to give the town back. I also believe the TNLA would not do that either. Even if the TNLA were to return the town, we would refuse to do so. We will continue to do whatever is necessary to hold our ground. MN: There are reports that the TNLA has ordered the DPLA and other resistance forces to withdraw from the battle in Nawnghkio. Is this true? TTN: This is an attempt to drive a wedge between the TNLA and us. The junta’s lobbyists are spreading propaganda to create divisions among the Mandalay PDF, DPLA, and TNLA. On the ground, there is no conflict between us—we are working together in unity. Locals who assist us can confirm this. This is simply propaganda meant to sow discord. MN: We have heard that the junta army has sent thousands of reinforcements from southern Shan State. Some say their offensive has nearly reached Nawnghkio because the DPLA was unable to intercept them along the Lawksawk route. Could you please clarify this? TTN: The reason we couldn’t intercept them wasn’t just due to their superior numbers. There are other factors involved, but I prefer not to disclose them. MN: I understand that the DPLA aims to operate from northern Shan State to ethnic Danu areas in the south, including the towns of Ywangan and Pindaya. With the junta strengthening the Pa-O National Organisation (PNO) to protect these areas, how would the DPLA respond if confronted directly by PNO forces? TTN: We aim to negotiate as much as possible and will do our best to avoid any direct confrontation. MN: Is there anything else you would like to add? TTN: I encourage all supporters of the revolution to trust only those news and reports that have been verified by reliable sources on the ground.

‘We have no reason to give the town back’—DPLA leader Tun Tun Naing

The leader of the ethnic armed group discusses the fight to hold onto Nawnghkio as the junta steps up its efforts to retake the town

Subscribe for full access

Across a border and into a war: A Karenni leader’s final journey

When going home is impossible: Myanmar nationals find solace in Singapore’s Peninsula Plaza

The Russian general behind Moscow’s decades-long military courtship of Myanmar

Explainer: Who are the companies and cronies backing Myanmar junta leader’s Thailand visit?

Subscribe for full access

Related Articles

Myanmar military, MNDAA move to strengthen positions amid rising tensions

Five killed in Myanmar junta airstrikes in retaliation for attack by PDF forces

Myanmar tin mega-mine restarts operations: think tank

H&M says Myanmar exit from garment factory follows responsible withdrawal policy