Speech Delivered by Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhama Min Aung Hlaing at the Parade of the 81st Armed Forces Day on 27th March 2026
Comrades,
Today marks the 81st Anniversary of Armed Forces Day of the Tatmadaw, a solemn and proud occasion that resonates with the enduring legacy of our Armed Forces, forged in the crucible of the nation’s struggle for independence. This day bears profound historical significance, as it marks the momentous 27th March 1945, when the Tatmadaw, in resolute unity with the people, rose against fascist domination after having initially taken up arms to expel the vestiges of colonial rule. On this solemn and significant occasion for both our nation and the Tatmadaw, I wish to underscore several key points for reflection and renewed commitment.
Comrades,
Our nation sta nds among the distinguished nations of the world, bearing a proud legacy and a prosperous identity forged through centuries. But, in the nineteenth century, the British showed different reasons to relinquish our independence and sovereignty, and fulfilled its imperial expansion. To retain our independence and sovereignty, the Burma Independence Army (BIA), under the leadership of General Aung San, sought military training and tactics from Japan. In unity with the people, they rose in resistance against British rule.
After the British withdrew, Japan failed to honour its commitment to grant genuine independence. Instead, the strength of the Tatmadaw was curtailed. Further, the independence proved to be illusory. In response to the suffering of the people under fascist domination, the Tatmadaw, in concert with the people, launched the historic Anti-Fascist movement on 27th March 1945. From that time onwards, our Tatmadaw remained steadfast in its commitment to securing complete independence and safeguarding the nation from foreign suppression.
Independence is the truest expression of national sovereignty. It signifies that all nationalities may freely exercise the three main sovereign powers—namely, the legislative, executive, and judicial—in accordance with the collective will and circumstances of the nation. Accordingly, the preservation and safeguarding of the independence and sovereignty won through the sacrifices of countless lives, remain both a sacred historical trust and an inherent duty entrusted to every member of the Tatmadaw and to all nationalities of the Union.
Comrades,
The internal insurgencies rooted in the ideological diversity, political diversity, and ethnic affairs among nationalities who have long coexisted throughout history due to the instigation of British imperial rule, came into existence since independence, and our Tatmadaw led by General Ne Win has remained steadfast in safeguarding the nation, never relinquishing the hard-won independence and national sovereignty secured through immense sacrifice. In the discharge of this solemn duty, the Tatmadaw has resolutely resisted foreign encroachments, including those of the Kuomintang forces from White China, and suppressed the Mujahidin insurgency, while steadfastly undertaking operations to restore stability in the face of diverse internal insurgent groups with courage and determination.
Furthermore, the Tatmadaw, upholding a righteous cause and a profound sense of national duty, has resolutely safeguarded the nation in times of grave danger. In light of these trials, it may be declared with conviction that the Tatmadaw has not only stood tall as the vanguard and bastion of the nation and its people—undaunted in adversity whenever the three main national causes are imperilled—but also remains steadfast in its revered duty to safeguard the future of the nation.
Comrades,
Our nation, once united under the tradition of a sovereign kingdom before the loss of its independence, has since traversed diverse systems of governance, including the parliamentary democratic order established in the post-independence era. In the wake of certain inadequacies, along with internal and external instigations that impeded the consolidation of a strong and stable Union under the socialist system, unrest ensued, whereupon the Tatmadaw assumed responsibility for the nation in 1988. From that turbulent juncture, Tatmadaw led by Senior General Saw Maung and Senior General Than Shwe, has steadfastly advanced the foundations of national development across the political, economic, and social spheres, and has instituted a quintessential State Constitution to foster a disciplined democratic system and a market-oriented economy.
Comrades,
In this regard, our Tatmadaw has played a leading role in facilitating the transition towards the democratic system desired by the people, as reflected in the general election of 2010 in accordance with the 2008 State Constitution. However, on 1st February 2021, in response to allegations of widespread electoral irregularities under the NLD-led government and concerns regarding the legal legitimacy of the elected Hluttaw representatives in the 2020 General Election, the Tatmadaw temporarily assumed responsibility for the nation in accordance with the provisions of the state constitution. In this pursuit, Tatmadaw sought to uphold the multi-party democratic system aspired by the people. At present, the Tatmadaw remains steadfastly committed to this course, having undertaken all necessary measures to ensure the successful conduct of elections, and has reaffirmed its pledge to support the government legitimately elected by the people, with the aim of strengthening and sustaining the multi-party democratic system.
Comrades,
A State Constitution is the fundamental law, enacted with the purpose of safeguarding the long-term interests of the nation. A constitution must, above all, be drafted in accordance with the nation’s identity, historical experience, ethnic composition, religious traditions, political realities, economic conditions, and other fundamental considerations. In the 2008 Constitution, the inclusion of the Tatmadaw’s role, along with its solemn mandate “to safeguard the state constitution”, reflects lessons distilled from historical shortcomings. These provisions were formally enshrined out of absolute necessity, guided by the objective realities and imperatives of our nation.
Furthermore, the provision stating that the Tatmadaw shall “consistently aim to participate in the national political leadership role of the State” was enunciated to enable the Tatmadaw to collaborate in the national interest, in accordance with the imperatives of our nation. It must be clearly understood that this does not signify ‘leading in politics’, as certain pessimists may allege, but rather embodies the Tatmadaw’s constructive engagement in national politics, devoted to safeguarding and advancing the nation’s affairs. National politics embodies an enduring vision, oriented towards the sustainable advancement of the interests of the nation and its people. It is anchored in our Three Main National Causes—the non-disintegration of the Union, the non-disintegration of national solidarity, and the perpetuation of sovereignty—which constitute the pivotal pillars safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of our nation. Throughout successive periods since independence, the Tatmadaw has discharged its national political responsibilities with the steadfast purpose of defending these Three Main National Causes as a historic duty. Therefore, I wish to affirm that the Tatmadaw will continue to serve the interests of the nation and its people in full accordance with the provisions of the state constitution.
Comrades,
The Tatmadaw has embarked upon the path of building a Standard Army, with the avowed aim of evolving into a formidable force endowed with large-scale combat readiness and comprehensive operational effectiveness. In this endeavour, training stands as the foremost pillar in attaining such readiness. Accordingly, every soldier must maintain health, fitness and efficacy, while every unit must engage in continuous training to strengthen their mettle, in steadfast adherence to the guiding principle: “Study, Practise, Comply”. To ensure full operational effectiveness, the forces must be equipped with modern weaponry and materiel; to this end, domestic research and development is being vigorously advanced, while essential procurement needs are systematically fulfilled.
Comrades,
The Tatmadaw stands as a trusted institution of the nation, founded upon the enduring pillars of strong morale, strict discipline, and steadfast obedience to command. The triumphant culmination of the anti-fascist movement was achieved through the harmonious fusion of the patriotic fervour of the Burma Independence Army era with the discipline and order of the Burma Defence Army, in resolute collaboration with the people. This stands as enduring testimony to the defining hallmarks of our Tatmadaw. Accordingly, I urge all personnel to cultivate a deep and diligent understanding of our history, and rooted in an abiding sense of patriotism, to strive both individually and collectively to uphold a Tatmadaw distinguished by excellence in morale, discipline, and steadfast obedience.
Comrades,
Foreign aggressors and self-serving political opportunists, past and present alike, have relentlessly sought to undermine and erode the strength and unity of our Tatmadaw. Yet, in the face of such persistent designs, our resolve shall never falter, nor shall our unity be shaken. On the contrary, we shall stand ever more resolute, fortifying unity and cohesion across all ranks, in adherence to our guiding principle: “No matter who seeks to divide us, we shall ever remain united”.
While fortifying cohesion within our ranks, we must equally give due emphasis to our engagement with the public. In this regard, all members of the Tatmadaw must embrace the guiding ethos of “Mother Figure People, Father Figure People” and diligently carry out their responsibilities in the service of public welfare.
Comrades,
Armed terrorist factions that persist along the path of violence, invoking federal, democratic and ethnic affairs as pretexts, are largely sustained by illicit activities, including online scams, unlawful online gambling, narcotics trafficking, and transnational crime. As these activities serve to finance such elements and threaten national stability, I wish to inform you that comprehensive nationwide operations are being vigorously conducted. Simultaneously, the cooperation with regional partners and international organisations is being strengthened to combat this menace with determination and resolve.
Comrades,
Scrutinizing a nation’s security sector reveals that its foremost responsibility is to ensure socio-economic security and safeguard the life and property of every citizen. It is incumbent upon each citizen to uphold steadfast security awareness and vigilance, thereby fortifying the resilience, integrity, and enduring strength of the nation’s public security framework.
Across every township, ward, and village, People’s Defence Forces have been meticulously trained and organised to pre-empt, prevent, and suppress terrorist activities, while public security operations are carried out with resolute determination. In this endeavour, the People’s Militia for local security and the People’s Military Service System for national defence are administered in strict accordance with the nation’s legal framework. It can be seen that countries across the world exercise national conscription act. I urge all members of the public to continue their active cooperation in the People’s Security processes, thereby ensuring the comprehensive safeguarding of the nation’s socio-economic life.
Comrades,
Among the Three Main National Causes, the Non-disintegration of National Solidarity embodies eternal peace, which serves as an indispensable pillar of our nation’s stability and prosperity. It must be clearly recognised that the fruits of lasting peace are not for the Tatmadaw or any single organisation, but for the State and all ethnic peoples collectively. Accordingly, it is evident that persistent and deliberate efforts to engage in peace dialogues with ethnic armed organisations have been undertaken across successive epochs.
The Tatmadaw’s issuance of a declaration on ceasefire and enduring peace on 21st December 2018 laid the foundation for the subsequent implementation of unilateral ceasefires. On 22nd April 2022, in the wake of a peace address stating, “I will personally meet and hold discussions with all ethnic armed organisations to implement peace in a practical and effective manner”, formal in-person dialogues were held with the leaders of ethnic armed organisations. As the culmination of these historic dialogues, 43 agreements to amend and supplement the 2008 Constitution were formally concluded and ratified. Moreover, the Union Accords, synthesising the outcomes of preceding peace conferences under the erstwhile governments, are now poised for submission to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, where they will undergo thorough and meticulous deliberation and subsequent amendment.
Comrades,
Our nation is firmly committed to the practice of a democratic political system, while resolutely advancing towards the consolidation of a Union founded upon democratic and federal principles in its State structure. A federal system does not rest upon the interests of any individual or single ethnicity, but upon the equitable organisation of regions and territories. In its implementation within our nation, a region-based Union, aligned with our national realities, will be adopted, drawing upon the wisdom and experience accumulated across successive historical epochs.
At present, however, capable representatives entrusted with carrying forward the will of the people have emerged through the Multi-party Democratic General Election and the respective Hluttaws now stand duly convened and in session. As every vote cast embodies the intellect and sovereign will of the people, those who have emerged as representatives to the Hluttaws bear the solemn responsibility of discharging national duties with foresight, resolute loyalty, and the utmost gravity.
I wish to underscore that, while the National Defence and Security Council will continue to provide steadfast guidance until a strong and stable government emerges, capable of steering the nation resolutely along its political course, the Tatmadaw shall remain ever vigilant and prepared to discharge its responsibilities in safeguarding the national interest.
Comrades,
In conclusion, I solemnly affirm that the Tatmadaw has faithfully discharged its sacred duties, unfailingly upholding the welfare of the nation and its people above all considerations throughout successive epochs. Up till now, the Tatmadaw continues to safeguard the Union and its citizens, guided by the timeless principle: “Mother Figure People, Father Figure People”. Let it be unequivocally reaffirmed that the Tatmadaw shall remain steadfast, a modern and patriotic institution, that endures the well-being of the nation and its people.