Photo Credit – Kachin News Group
The internet buzzes with gossip, where celebrity relationships, breakups, and memes about those personal dramas dominate our feeds. Unsurprisingly, political discourse plays second fiddle; after all, drama sells, and the internet thrives on juicy controversies. But while the spotlight is over entertainment feuds, a real and consequential dispute is unfolding between the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA)—a conflict that deserves more serious attention.
Earlier this year, viral footage of TNLA and KIA foot soldiers throwing hands in front of their comrades has been met with amusement. The prevailing sentiment online is that the fight is “cute” and that they fought like brothers, relying on fists instead of firearms. This take could be as delusional as Tyler Durden from Chuck Palahniuk’s novel, Fight Club. At the end of the day, they’re soldiers fighting over territory and influence—a dispute that could reshape Myanmar’s political landscape if ignored. Recently, a second video emerged, stripping away the charm: TNLA soldiers are seen ganging up on a lone KIA fighter, revealing a darker escalation. The splits have already sparked ethnic tensions, evident among grassroots soldiers and online supporters of both groups.
We celebrate the military victories of the resistance, cheering when ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) make gains against the regime. TNLA and KIA are both key players in this struggle. The KIA has been a seasoned player in Myanmar’s civil war for decades, while TNLA, though not as long-established, has proven to be a promising up-and-coming actor. Their involvement in Operation 1027, which led to major strategic victories such as seizing towns, military commands, and economic projects, solidified their importance. Yet, when these same forces clash over territory and influence, we dismiss it as a minor squabble rather than acknowledging its potential consequences.
The reality is that the TNLA-KIA dispute cannot be brushed aside with lighthearted remarks about unity and a common enemy. Saying “we must unite” or “know your common enemy” is not enough if underlying tensions are not addressed.
The reality is that the TNLA-KIA dispute cannot be brushed aside with lighthearted remarks about unity and a common enemy. Saying “we must unite” or “know your common enemy” is not enough if underlying tensions are not addressed. While media reports suggest that leadership from both sides is working to resolve the dispute, the issue demands greater public discourse. Each group’s spokesperson explains they’ve been handling the issue, but fights seem to break out from place to place. Internal conflicts between influential EAOs like TNLA and KIA could further destabilize an already fragile situation. Myanmar has endured decades of war—additional disputes among major groups only add to the uncertainty of the nation’s future.
If we truly care about the well-being of Myanmar, then we must also care about resolving conflicts that threaten long-term stability. The TNLA-KIA dispute is more than just an odd spectacle; it’s a warning sign. We can’t afford to ignore it simply because it lacks the theatrics of mainstream gossip. Myanmar’s future depends on opposing authoritarian rule and ensuring that internal divisions do not hinder the nation’s path toward peace and stability.
The views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the policies or positions of ISP-Myanmar.
