Call for non-violent resolution of disputes within resistance movement

Burma News International (BNI) is a network of 15 independent media and news organizations based in and around Burma A joint call urged resistance and political forces to refrain from resolving internal disputes through armed means, as more than 90 pro-revolution and civil society organizations—including democracy advocates—issued a coordinated statement on June 28. The appeal came after disputes in June between the resistance-run National Unity Government (NUG)-affiliated People’s Defence Force (PDF) and another resistance faction, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), in Mandalay Region, during which at least four PDF fighters were killed. The statement underscored that the ongoing Spring Revolution represents a historic opportunity to end the military dictatorship and free the entire population from widespread suffering. It noted that as the revolution drags on, disagreements and friction among resistance forces are to some extent inevitable. However, it warned that attempts to settle such disputes through armed force could stall the revolution's momentum and ultimately benefit the common enemy—the junta. The collective appeal called on resistance actors to resolve internal issues through fair means, actively support and surround political dialogue and negotiation efforts, and maintain unity in confronting the shared adversary. It further emphasized that during this revolutionary period, political equality and mutual respect among resistance groups must be strictly upheld. The statement added that disputes within their own ranks should not be resolved through weapons or force, and that dialogue grounded in equality and unity should be the sole way forward. The signatories also urged professionals across various fields—including experts, scholars, and artists—to use their respective platforms to ensure the essence of the revolution is not lost through awareness-raising and advocacy both online and on the ground. They further called on the wider public to actively share and amplify the appeal. The more than 90 organizations stressed that the move is not intended to blame any party, but to encourage unity and collective progress toward shared goals, inviting both resistance fighters and civilians to contribute from their respective roles.