Introduction
From August 14 to September 14, 2026, military conflicts continued in Mon State. Battles occurred between the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and the coup military regime in Ye Township, and civilians were killed and injured by artillery shell explosions in Kyaikto Township. A total of two children died and 12 people were injured due to artillery shell explosions in Zee Phyaung Village on August 19[1] and Nyaung Htauk Village on September 6[2].
Although military conflicts continued on the ground, no military activity by Mon armed groups was observed during this period. However, instead of only looking at military incidents, it is necessary to also consider the political stances in the statements issued by various Mon organizations, including the New Mon State Party, the Mon State Federal Council, and the New Mon State Party (Anti-Military Dictatorship), on the occasion of the 79th Mon Revolution Day. A comparison of these statements reveals commonalities in fundamental goals such as opposing military dictatorship, establishing a federal democratic union, and securing self-determination for the Mon people. Nevertheless, in implementing these common goals, some groups emphasize armed revolution and the formation of alliances, while others prioritize political dialogue and political solutions.
Same Goals and Divergent Paths
The first point found in the statements of various Mon organizations is the commonality based on the eradication of the military dictatorship and Mon national objectives. The Mon State Federal Council (MSFC) has stated its objectives as the elimination of all dictatorships, the establishment of a federal democratic union, and the creation of a Mon State with full self-determination.[3]
The New Mon State Party (Anti-Military Dictatorship) has stated that the NCA ceasefire agreement and the 2008 Constitution are merely tools to prolong military dictatorship, and therefore unacceptable. They will instead prioritize armed revolution to regain the national rights of the Mon people and continue striving for the emergence of a united front.[4]
However, beneath these similarities lie differences in practical political approaches. The New Mon State Party (NMSP) maintains that the root cause of the current problem is a political one—the establishment of a federal democratic union—and that only a political solution can achieve lasting peace. They therefore place greater emphasis on achieving meaningful political change through political dialogue.[5]
Similarly, the Mon Youth Progressive Organization (MYPO) has urged cooperation in the Mon revolution to the best of their ability and to foster collective leadership among Mon youth.[6] In particular, their call to move towards “a single political ideology, a single political path, and a single political goal” further highlights the need for unity among Mon forces.
The Need for Unity and Political Coordination
Continued examination of statements released on Mon Revolution Day reveals a recurring emphasis on cooperation, unity, and accountability to the public among Mon forces. The Mawlamyine University Students’ Union and the New Rahmonnya Federated Force (NRFF) have urged revolutionary forces within Mon State to strategically pursue military and political cooperation to establish a Mon State government during the revolutionary period, transparently present revolutionary processes to the Mon people, and protect the fundamental rights and security of the populace.[7]
These points demonstrate that merely increasing military power in the Mon revolution is no longer sufficient; political coordination among forces and community-based accountability have also become crucial. At the same time, despite differing political paths among Mon forces, it has become extremely important to cooperate on fundamental Mon national issues and common interests such as public safety and humanitarian concerns.
Conclusion
The statements issued on the 79th Mon Revolution Day indicate that Mon revolutionary forces simultaneously hold common objectives and divergent approaches. The challenge for the future of the Mon Revolution is not merely a lack of strength, but the extent to which existing forces can be unified under a single political organization. Therefore, rather than eliminating divergent approaches, practical cooperation in common areas such as political and military sectors, based on shared national interests, will be more decisive for the prospects of the Mon Revolution. The New Mon State Party (NMSP) has stated its intention to engage in discussions with Mon organizations both domestically and internationally on national issues, despite differences in beliefs and approaches. Similarly, the New Mon State Party (Anti-Military Dictatorship) has declared that today’s struggle relies on military strength and unity. Thus, it remains to be seen whether cooperation among Mon forces will materialize on the ground.
[1] Karen National Union, August 22, 2026: Child killed, 11 injured by artillery fire from the military of the caretaker government. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14owvuri8QG/
[2] Karen National Union, September 7, 2026: A 10-year-old child from Nyaung Htauk village died due to artillery shelling by the terrorist military that seized power. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1XruzmdC8t/
[3] Mon State Federal Council – MSFC, August 28, 2026: Statement from the Mon State Federal Council on the occasion of the 79th Mon Revolution Day. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E2P2q576e/
[4] NMSP-AD/Ramonnya Mon Army, August 28, 2026: New Mon State Party (Anti-Military Dictatorship) / Mon Rahmonnya Army’s 79th Mon Revolution Day Statement. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18GJbaguVL/
[5] Independent Mon News Agency, August 28, 2026: The New Mon State Party stated that despite different approaches and methods, Mon people in the country and in other countries should be able to focus on national affairs. StatementofNewMonStateParty
[6] Mon Youth Progressive Organization, August 28, 2026: The 79th anniversary of Mon Revolution Day. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1F6AUjdtG4/
[7] NRFF – New Rehmonnya Federated Force, August 27, 2026: 79th Mon Revolution Day Joint Statement. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FG6L43Mre/
