Min Aung Hlaing says he met with CNO, Chin Brotherhood says "unaware, not decided"

Photo: CNO/CNDF soldiers seen at a military parade (CNO). Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing revealed in his State of the Nation address on July 31 that the Chin National Organisation (CNO), an affiliate of the Chin Brotherhood (CB), was among the ethnic armed organisations the junta had met with for peace talks. However, Salai Htan Choon Phay, chairman of the Chin Brotherhood (CB), responded that they were unaware of any meetings with the junta and had not decided to hold such discussions. Pakhui (July 31) Mizzima. The junta leader Min Aung Hlaing stated in his State of the Nation address today (July 31) that the Chin National Organisation (CNO), an affiliate of the Chin Brotherhood (CB), participated in peace talks with the military regime. In his address commemorating 100 days in office as president, the junta listed CNO among the ethnic armed organisations with which the regime had held discussions. However, Salai Htan Choon Phay, chairman of the Chin Brotherhood (CB), told Mizzima that he was unaware of any meetings with the junta and that no decision had been made to hold such discussions. "The Chin Brotherhood (CB), as well as the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC), has not decided to hold discussions with the terrorist military regime," he said. Salai Tin Mi Htutt, spokesperson for CNO, wrote on his social media in both Chin and Burmese this afternoon that the CNO/CNDF is an organisation that does not stand for any individual but continues the revolution, and that information found online will be released soon. "CNO/CNDF is still carrying out the revolution, and will continue to do so in the future until there are discussions that arise from the consensus and unity of all Chin people. Information found online will be officially released soon so that the public can be aware of it," he said. Although news of discussions between CNO and the junta had spread on social media in recent days, there were also assumptions that it might be a rumour stemming from disagreements between organisations. Following the junta leader's public statement, some Chin people have written on social media expressing "surprise." Furthermore, amid intense battles between the junta's forces and resistance fighters in Mintep and Kanpetlet townships, which are under the control of the Chin Brotherhood, accusations of "betrayal" have emerged regarding these alleged discussions. According to reports, the junta was represented by General Cho Tun Hla, General Khin Zaw Oo, U Hla Maung Shwe, and U No Than Kap, while the CNO was represented by its chairman, the defence secretary, and other delegates. However, this information has not yet been independently verified. Min Aung Hlaing stated, "With the conviction that the door to peace is forever open, we have invited all ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) to meet without any prior restrictions, and we have been able to meet with a total of 13 EAOs." According to the junta chief's statement, among the organisations that have not yet signed the NCA (Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement) are CNO, UWSA, PSLF/TNLA, SSPP, NDAA, and NSCN-K, and meetings were also held with RCSS, KNU/KNLA-PC, NMSP, LDU, DKBA, and ALP, who have signed the NCA. The CNO is a member of the Chin Brotherhood (CB) and the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC) and is an organisation based in Falam Township. The CNO and its allied forces captured Falam city in April 2025, but it was recaptured by the junta forces in April 2026. Editor: Naung Naung