An interview with Dr. Thiri Mon Chan, spokesperson for the Ramanya Column, about the column’s current activities and its response to current political situation
The Ramanya Column, a coalition of four Mon armed resistance groups, was recently observed conducting inspections along the road section between Thanbyuzayat and Ye Townships.
Currently, peace talks, led by the military junta, with participation from some Mon resistance groups, are taking place in Naypyidaw. In addition, the Mon National Conference is also scheduled to be held soon.
In light of these developments, Than Lwin Times conducted this interview with Ramanya Column’s spokesperson Dr. Thiri Mon Chan to learn more about their stance on the current political situation and their current activities.
Q: Recently, images of the Ramanya Column conducting inspections along the Thanbyuzayat-Ye road section have been shared on social media. Is this the first time the column has carried out such inspections? What is the reason behind these actions?
A: This is indeed the first time the Ramanya Column has conducted such road inspections.
First, after more than two months since its formation, the joint military column has completed its military coordination efforts and is now fully prepared to launch military operations at any time. We wanted to share this positive news with the public. Second, we also aimed to gauge how the military junta would respond to this kind of activity, as a way to test their reaction from a military perspective.
Q: Recently, has there been any preparation by the military junta forces along the Thanbyuzayat-Ye road section, such as setting up military camps, establishing ambushes, or building outposts?
A: Ever since the news of the formation of the Ramanya Column emerged, the junta has been increasing its presence not only along the Thanbyuzayat-Ye road but also throughout Mon State. They have expanded their troop numbers at strategically important military camps and key towns and villages, as well as increased the deployment of heavy artillery units. The military junta is intensifying these efforts in preparation for potential battles to capture towns and camps that could arise across Mon State along with the Ramanya Column’s joint strategic operations.
Q: To what extent has the Ramanya Column been able to control the Thanbyuzayat-Ye road section, which is part of Union Highway 8?
A: The Ramanya Column has not yet established a military plan to fully and permanently control the Thanbyuzayat-Ye road section, which is part of the Union Highway 8. As I mentioned earlier, the ongoing road inspections on the Thanbyuzayat-Ye route are intended to test the military junta’s response and to make preliminary preparations for our own military strategy. In the future, depending on actual military operations, we will take steps to cut off or fully control the Thanbyuzayat-Ye road as needed.
Q: Although the Ramanya Column has now been a coalition of four armed units for over two months, why hasn’t the column, consisting solely of its fighters, been able to engage in ground combat operations yet?
A: The reason we haven’t yet engaged in combat operations is that simply forming a column doesn’t mean we can immediately start fighting. From a military perspective, we need to assess the enemy’s position, the terrain, and our own forces’ readiness. This includes preparing the necessary military strategies and tactics. If we were to engage in ground combat right after the news of our formation spread, it could give the enemy a military advantage.
Since the column was formed in January, the military junta has kept its forces on high alert and has expanded its troop numbers to counter us militarily. As part of our strategic military objectives, Ramanya Column will carry out operations. However, at this stage, we cannot disclose when, where, or how these operations will be conducted, nor the specific military tactics we will employ.
Q: Given the current situation, what is your view on the peace talks between the military junta and the groups willing to negotiate under the banner of peace? Do you think these discussions are more likely to benefit the junta rather than the people?
A: The peace talks scheduled from 24 to 26 March, like previous ones, merely negotiations between the military junta and the groups willing to engage with them. No matter what title these talks are given or the timing of the events, they make no significant difference. Since the coup, there have been multiple peace negotiations between the military junta, Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) that signed a ceasefire, and political parties willing to negotiate.
However, these talks have not resulted in any substantial progress. Discussions aimed at reviving the 2008 Constitution, or elections based on that constitution, will only serve to prolong the military dictatorship, benefiting the military junta rather than the public.
Q: Some representatives from the ceasefire New Mon State Party and the Mon political party are participating in these discussions. And, the Mon National Conference is set to take place in April. Given the timing of these events, could they have any impact on the revolution or regional stability?
A: At the ongoing discussions from 24 to 26 March, the New Mon State Party and the Mon political party, both of which are willing to negotiate with the military junta, are in attendance. The Mon National Conference, scheduled to be held in Mawlamyine from 2 to 5 April, will also be led by the New Mon State Party and the Mon Unity Party (MUP), with only Mon political groups and organizations recognized by the military junta participating. This is not a conference like the previous Mon National Conferences, which included the entire Mon community.
So, just like the military junta’s peace talks from 24 to 26 March, which involve only the parties and organizations willing to negotiate with them and lack recognition from the broader Mon community—both armed groups like ours and Mon people inside and outside the country. The meeting from April 2 to 5 April will not have any significant impact on regional stability or the revolution.
Sent by Than Lwin Times.
