NAY PYI TAW April 30
Myanmar War Veterans Organization held its special conference (2025) this morning at the MWVO headquarters in Dekkhinathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, addressed by Patron of MWVO Chairman of State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of De-fence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Also present were Vice Chair-man of State Administration Council Deputy Commander-in- Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win, union level dignitaries, Chief of General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Kyaw Swa Lin,senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, Chair of the Central Executive Committee of MWVO General Khin Aung Myint (Retired) and members, the Nay Pyi Taw Command commander, chairs of war veterans supervisory committees and representatives to the conference and invited guests. Officials of the region/state war veterans supervisory committees took part in the meeting through video conferencing.
In his address, the Senior General said the aim of the conference is to elect and approve the members of MWVO Central Council, region\state supervisory committees and township executive committee members, which fell vacant for various reasons, and to issue necessary directives.
As the MWVO is the reserve force of the Tatmadaw, it is an organization systematically set up under the law, regulations, and directives. The Senior General lauded the war veterans for their dutiful service in the Tatmadaw and for actively serving the interest of the nation and people whenever needed in accord with the saying “Once a Soldier, always a Soldier.”
He said beginning from the time the country regained independence in 1948, war veterans were supporting each other in their own way town or village wise, setting up local war veterans’ bodies and actively taking part in regional development and security undertakings with altruistic desire. Those bodies were reorganized in 1973 and set up Myanmar War Veterans Central Organizing Committee and township organizing committees. Adoption of the rules of structuring and basic principles began in 1975, and the war veterans organization at all levels were established in accord with the law after issuing legal procedures in 1989.
As per the changing State Constitution in 2016, the MWVO Central Organizing Committee was abolished with Order No. 36/2016 of the President’s Office on 29-3-2016, and turned into an independent associate of the Tatmadaw, with 12 patrons of the 34-member central executive committee and 76 members of the central council.
The MWVO is formed with the central HQ office, 21 region/state war veterans organizations and 308 township war veterans organizations and is carrying out its activities in the whole country. It adopted the four goals and seven-point roadmap and is taking part in nation-building, regional security and protecting the people’s interest with might and main as the Tatmadaw’s reserve force.
Tatmadaw, as a military institution born of the people, must maintain a close connection with them. The MWVO, comprised of former military personnel, engages regularly with the public and is therefore expected to serve as a vital bridge between Tatmadaw and the public. In doing so, it is essential to exercise caution in speech and conduct to avoid violating Our Three Main National Causes, which represent national responsibilities. It is also important to remember that the actions and words of members directly affect the image of Tatmadaw.
To help the public understand the true stance of Tatmadaw towards the state and its citizens, it is important not to rely solely on Tatmadaw. Instead, the organizing capabilities of veterans’ groups should be effectively utilized as a driving force. To successfully implement the ‘People’sWar Strategy’ outlined by the state, it is essential to continue fostering strong unity between the military and the people.
The government is working to ensure that a free and fair multi-party democracy general election is held in December. The attacks by both domestic and foreign destructive forces during the country’s recovery period following the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the deva-stating impacts of Typhoon Yagi, recent floods, and the recent Mandalay Earthquake, have resulted in significant losses to the nation. By working together, we can overcome the challenges and crises as swiftly as possible.
The prosperity and food security of the country are vital to the state and have been implemented as two national goals. If the country is stable and peaceful, and the people can work, eat, and live in peace, socio-economic development will inevitably follow. He stated that he would like to urge veterans to continue to keep their eyes and ears open for the national interests, in addition to their individual responsibilities.
As veterans, one must continue to uphold the good traditions of Tatmadaw and maintain the good reputation of the veterans’ organization. Stand strong and cooperate as a backup force for Tatmadaw in national defence, security, and public welfare activities, with Our Three Main National Causes at the forefront. He stated that he would like to urge the implementation of the seven-point roadmap and five major tasks as a good soldier and to strive to be a strong bridge between the people and the military.
Then, the Senior General warmly greeted the veterans attending the ceremony.
Following this, the Senior General took a group photo with the CEC members of the MWVO who were present at ceremony.
