MNDAA Replaces Ta’ang Village Entrance Signs with Chinese Script in Kutkai

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) replaced entrance signboards featuring Ta’ang literature and flag symbols with Chinese characters in several Ta’ang villages in Kutkai Township, northern Shan State, during the Thingyan holiday around April 14, according to local sources.

A local resident familiar with the incident said the MNDAA targeted Ta’ang village signboards specifically while leaving those of other ethnic communities untouched.

“They specifically targeted Ta’ang villages, vandalizing signboards and painting over them, while leaving signboards of other ethnic groups intact,” the resident said. “Two days after seizing the town, they called a meeting where they ordered the removal of Ta’ang flags and painted symbols, though they initially said Ta’ang text could still be used. Later, two soldiers and a civilian came and destroyed the signboards, banning the Ta’ang language altogether. During the meeting, they mainly targeted the Ta’ang people and said nothing to the Kachin. At first, they painted the signboards white and wrote only Burmese text in black. Later, they returned and wrote in Chinese script. The headman of Ka Laing village was forced to write the Chinese characters for them.”

The signboards modified with Chinese text belong to villages including Man Maw, Pan Ku, Pan Lawt, Kone Chan, Ho Saung, Nam Lat, Tone Sin Gyi, Ho Naung, Pan Say, Ho Saing, Man Tone, and Long Kein. Locals reported that signboards in remaining villages are also expected to be changed.

On March 14, the Kokang armed group launched a major offensive against Kutkai Township, which was previously under the control of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). Since taking over administration of Kutkai town, MNDAA forces have destroyed Ta’ang village entrance signboards and replaced them with Chinese text.

Similarly, in schools operated by the Ta’ang Land Education Council (TLEC) in Kutkai Township, authorities ordered the removal of Ta’ang flags and the erasure of the phrase “Kung Ta’ang” (meaning “Ta’ang Land”). Local sources added that preparations are underway to make Chinese a mandatory subject in schools for the upcoming academic year.

Residents noted that these actions contradict public statements made by the MNDAA during community meetings in Kutkai Township and Namhkai village, where the group promised to respect the religious beliefs and traditions of all ethnic groups, avoid ethnic discrimination, and ensure equal rights for all ethnicities.