The Shan Youth Congress issued a statement on May 25 condemning the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) for what it described as territorial expansion and the excessive use of armed force in administrative and governance matters in northern Shan State.
According to the statement, the MNDAA has expanded beyond areas traditionally inhabited by the Kokang ethnic population and has pursued policies of territorial expansion, mismanagement, and armed intimidation, resulting in ethnic tensions and conflicts within the region.
In its statement titled “Federalism and the Direction of the Kokang Army (MNDAA),” the Shan Youth Congress highlighted administrative, land confiscation, human rights, and socio-economic problems allegedly faced by local residents under MNDAA administration.
The organization strongly condemned what it described as wrongful actions and governance practices carried out by the MNDAA under the pretext of revolution, accusing the group of causing hardship for local civilians.
The statement also alleged that the MNDAA has been carrying out “Kokangization” in northern Shan State, altering the original character of towns and villages, confiscating and undervaluing farmland, granting special privileges to foreign nationals, and allowing the forced extraction of natural resources.
The Shan Youth Congress said the MNDAA has attempted to replace the long-standing harmonious coexistence of indigenous ethnic groups with efforts to impose Kokang identity and has forcibly changed the traditional and original characteristics of local communities. It further accused the group of forcibly seizing land from original landowners, pressuring residents into selling land at reduced prices, and implementing coercive administrative measures.
The statement also claimed that foreign nationals have been granted one-sided privileges and permission to operate businesses, while natural resources are allegedly being extracted or extraction rights granted without the consent or consultation of the original landowners.
In addition, the Shan Youth Congress criticized the MNDAA for allegedly prioritizing opportunistic foreign business interests over the wishes of local residents by granting special privileges and unrestricted influence to outside businessmen. The group also accused the MNDAA of cooperating with foreign influence instead of preventing external interference and domination.
The statement further alleged that unregulated gambling operations and KTV entertainment venues have been excessively permitted without proper control, while local residents have also faced forced military conscription against their will.
The Shan Youth Congress urged the MNDAA to immediately reconsider such actions in Shan State and to adopt governance practices that align with the wishes of local communities, democratic principles, justice, and federal standards.
