Those undermining peace and stability in Kayin State are armed groups operating within the region.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing urged residents of Kayin State to take measures through various means to protect and maintain peace and stability and prevent actions that undermine the State’s development.

Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met departmental officials and town elders in Hpa-an of Kayin State yesterday morning to talk about development initiatives.

Kayin State Chief Minister U Saw Myint Oo presented preparations to hold the election, seazures of illegal goods and efforts to eradicate illegal trade activities, operating agricultural tasks to increase per-acre yield of crops and develop livestock activities, fishery business operation, conducting training for increased production, measures to ensure local food security and development MSME businesses, enhancement of tourism industry, operations of education, healthcare and sports sectors, handing over of illegal entrants from Kayin State, assistance for displaced persons and generating electricity from solar power.

Town elders and businesspersons reported on food and supply assistance from the government and state government for the victims in the flooding of Thanlwin River in Hpa-an, needs to clear the water course of Thanlwin River not to cause more flooding, further disbursement for loans to operate livestock farms, needs of inputs for paddy cultivation, more development of hotels and tourism businesses, and increased salaries for ethnic language teachers.

Officials talked about plans to dredge silt in the Thanlwin River and construction for the retaining walls in Hpa-an.

In his response, the Senior General said that in relation to solar power electricity generation, the electricity needs of Hpa-an and other towns should be calculated and addressed accordingly. Regarding flooding in Hpa-an, heavy rainfall in upstream areas contributes to more severe flooding downstream. If the previously planned Hatgyi Hydropower project is implemented in the Hpa-an area, it will help manage and reduce flooding. In addition, the project would meet the electricity needs of the region and naturally mitigate flood risks. Therefore, residents are encouraged to work together to support the successful implementation of the hydroelectric project. Kayin State is a beautiful region attracting both domestic and international tourists. Further development is needed to enhance the region. Efforts should be made to improve urban and regional aesthetics, as well as to ensure traditional foods are cleaner and more appealing to tourists. Tourism generates significant income and is beneficial for the region. If stability and peace are maintained, tourism can develop even further, and residents should collectively work towards this goal.

Union ministers discussed plans to allow the lands for generating electricity from solar power, assessment for prevention of floods in Hpa-an, plans to further disburse agricultural loans, cultivation for Robusta coffee strains and pepper in Kayin State, use of farmlands under the law, supply of agricultural inputs, implementation of the emerald green project, conducting the industrial, agriculture and livestock schools, and efforts to increase the forest coverage in Kayin State.

Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General recounted that since Myanmar gained independence, Kayin State has experienced disruptions to peace and stability due to armed conflicts, affecting both residents and the State itself. Those undermining stability in the State are identified as armed groups operating within Kayin State.

The Senior General underscored that those working to disrupt peace and stability in Kayin State are armed groups operating within the region. Only with peace and stability can education be effectively provided, public health services be delivered, and regional development projects be implemented. Therefore, residents of Kayin State have to take measures through various means to protect and maintain peace and stability and prevent actions that undermine the State’s development.
He highlighted that the Government is actively addressing actions that disrupt stability in Kayin State. Near the Myanmar-Thailand border at the KK Park area, Tatmadaw is taking measures to eliminate online financial fraud and online gambling operations, carrying out these actions as a national duty.
He added that just as peace and stability are necessary for national development, residents of each region must also genuinely engage in productive work.
He noted that every developed country is rich in educated people, with nearly full completion rates of higher education. In Myanmar, however, completion rates at the primary, middle, high school, and higher-education levels remain relatively low.

He stressed that for a country to achieve development, it requires strength in political leadership, economic capacity, and defence capability. Strong political leadership ensures strong economic performance, and strong economic performance, in turn, enhances defence capability. Since a robust economy is an essential sector for any country, collective efforts should be made to strengthen the nation’s economic capacity.

The Senior General continued that much of the farmland in Kayin State remains waterlogged, creating difficulties for the timely planting of winter crops. Therefore, measures will be explored and implemented to reduce water coverage.
He emphasized that vocational, livestock, and industrial high schools are being opened in various districts. These efforts will greatly support the country’s agricultural and livestock sectors. By further developing production activities in agriculture and livestock, output levels will increase, resulting in higher incomes for individual farmers.

He pointed out that voting is being conducted using Myanmar Electronic Voting Machines (MEVMs), which prevent electoral fraud. Preparations have been made to ensure that votes can be cast properly and that no irregularities occur.
He added that in implementing a political system based on democracy and federalism, the country must adopt a federal system suitable to Myanmar. This should be a region-based federal system rather than a people-based federal system.
With regard to casting votes, he underlined that it is important to choose individuals who can genuinely serve the interests of their region, promote regional development, and work for the national interest. They should be willing to cooperate with legally established state institutions to serve the nation and have the dedication to protect and preserve their ethnic group, religion, traditional values, and culture, and to uphold Our Three Main National Causes.
He advised that after the election, state responsibilities must be carried out in collaboration with the elected representatives and the new government. The intention is to continue advancing a multiparty democratic system, which is the desire of the people. By electing competent representatives, the country can follow a good political path. It was also emphasized that development can only occur in regions with peace and stability, and no political system can bring progress to areas lacking such stability.

The Senior General discussed the cultivation of Robusta coffee, mango, rubber, betel, bamboo and pepper in the state.

Also present at the ceremony were Commission Secretary and Joint Executive Chief General Ye Win Oo, Union ministers, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of South-East Command and deputy ministers.

He visited the exhibition to showcase the products of MSME businesses in Kayin State.
At the Kayin State Youth Centre, the Senior General heard reports by the Kayin State Social Affairs Minister on the conduct of training courses at the centre, and talk shows on technology and plans.

In his guidance, the Senior General urged officials to conduct the training on techniques to be used in the workplace directly to the youth. The courses must comprise techniques, knowledge, political affairs, and leadership.
The Senior General inspected youth in training at the indoor games at the youth centre, conducting the youth talk show, progress of domestic science, music, painting and computer science courses, reading of youth at the library and bedrooms and the dining room.

He also visited around the Hpa-an University and Hpa-an city by car.
The Senior General also inspected the construction of the Zwekabin Gymnasium in Hlakamyin Ward and gave guidance on the systematic construction of the gymnasium, meeting the standard. He then visited the construction site.

 MNA/TTA

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