State Security and Peace Commission Vice-Chairman, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, and Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win, accompanied by Kachin State Chief Minister U Khet Htein Nan, senior Tatmadaw officiers, deputy ministers and relevant officials, arrived at the PutaO airport of Kachin State yesterday, and was welcomed by chairman of PutaO district management and administrative committee along with ethnic traditional dance troupes.

The Vice-Senior General and party proceeded to Phonkanrazi Hall in PutaO and met PutaO district and township level departmental officials, ethnic literature and cultural committee members and town elders.

The Vice-Senior General heard the report presented by PutaO district management and administration committee chairman regarding regional development programmes, implementation of the guidance of the Head of the State, implementation of agriculture and livestock breeding projects, proper work plans and loans using State Economic Promotion Fund, regional rice and oil security, rehabilitation processes, MSMEs, preparations for multiparty democracy election and measures for the development of the education sector.

Chairman of Rawang Literature and Culture Association U Khaung Lan Dee expressed gratitude for transporting food, medicines and fuel for farming machineries by Tatmadaw flight in 2024 monsoon paddy season due to hardship of Myitkyina-PutaO transport, and clarified installation of solar-power lampposts along Pyidaungsu road, establishment of Department of Labour and Road Transport Administration Department offices in PutaO, and local U Myint Aung reported on procurement of animal feed adequately.

The Vice-Senior General then said it is necessary to ensure that existing cultivated areas achieve target yields rather than expanding the cultivation acres. As the current production rate is only 49.08 per cent, it is necessary to supplement the required natural urea fertilizers and agricultural inputs and to cultivate according to prescribed standards, and the officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation should conduct awareness programmes for farmers. They should arrange for MSMEs to produce adequate foodstuffs and products for the region, and conduct clearing activities as the landslide blocked certain road sections on the Magwayza-Khaunglanphu road, particularly from Mile 6 onward, using proper machines and manpower.

As the access to clean drinking water in PutaO is only 47 per cent, he stressed the need to cooperate with relevant officials to improve water supply while protecting the natural environment at the water source and diversion points.

The Vice-Senior General highlighted his visit to carry out regional development measures and address the reports in pursuit of the instructions of the Head of the State, and continued that the local ethnics of PutaO have cooperated closely with Tatmadaw in regional development efforts for years, and the region is the one on which the Head of the State places his great focus. It can also be found that the relevant officials of PutaO make preparations for the forthcoming election.

He stated that PutaO has now achieved sufficient rice due to the efforts of the Kachin State Chief Minister, and as there is a slight shortfall in edible oil, continued efforts should be made to cultivate edible crops. The government provides the needed support as much as it can. Economic development is essential for regional progress. To ensure the flow of goods, the regional products should be produced in higher quality. The government granted loans, and all should systematically use them. The PutaO region is rich in valuable medicinal plants, international standard grapefruit, American lemons, Washington apples, and exportable spices such as Chinese black cardamom. Therefore, it is necessary to work with experts to produce systematically and export.

Tatmadaw will lead the upcoming election, and preparations are being made to prevent electoral fraud similar to that which occurred during the 2020 election. After the completion of the election, the Hluttaw will be convened, and State responsibilities will be transferred to the newly formed government. The Myanmar Electronic Voting Machine (MEVM) will be used to prevent electoral fraud, and that system has been used to conduct elections in 34 countries. The neighbouring country, India, with a population of 1.46 billion, uses that system.

The eligible voters residing in the country that is heading to multiparty democracy are responsible for voting individually, and the youths must cast a vote without fail, as they are the ones who will serve State duties in pursuit of the democratic system one day.

Citizens aged 18 and above who possess a citizenship scrutiny card are eligible voters, and responsible officials should work to ensure that all eligible voters can cast a vote. Voters should choose candidates who can work in unity with Tatmadaw, who will uphold the Three Main National Causes, who can serve the interests of their local communities, who possess good moral character, are physically fit, and capable of leading organizations.

Regarding the education sector, he urged officials to strive for excellent results in the Grade 12 examination to be held in March 2026 in Putao district, following the example of Myitkyina’s high rate last year. Teachers were encouraged to ensure students from KG to Grade 12 achieve literacy and comprehension, noting that education is the foundation of future success and the development of skilled human resources such as doctors and engineers who can serve regional interests.

He then presented cash awards for ethnic literature and culture associations through officials.

MNA/KTZH

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