A high-level delegation from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and its political wing, the Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF), met with the military government’s National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) in Naypyidaw for formal peace talks.

The discussions began on July 19 at the Shwe San Eain Hotel. The TNLA delegation was led by Vice Chairman (1) Lt. Gen. Tar Jok Jar, while the NSPNC team was headed by Chairman Lt. Gen. Yar Pyae and Secretary Lt. Gen. Min Naing.

According to state media and regional reports, Yar Pyae described the meeting as the first formal dialogue between the junta and the TNLA leadership in Naypyidaw. He said the military government hoped to hold open discussions on regional peace, development and the possible amendment of the 2008 Constitution.

In response, Tar Jok Jar said the TNLA delegation had attended the talks voluntarily and without preconditions, expressing hope that the dialogue would produce positive results.

Military media reported that both sides discussed coordination under the junta’s “100-Day Peace Plan,” adherence to existing ceasefire understandings, political avenues for resolving disputes, and cooperation on regional development, including healthcare and education. The two delegations also signed a record of the discussions.

While state media portrayed the talks as an effort to promote peace and stability, the meeting drew a mixed response from residents in conflict-affected areas.

“We already knew this kind of thing would happen, so we aren’t surprised,” a resident of Namhkam told SHAN. “There’s nothing to be sad about. In the end, it’s ordinary people who suffer the casualties, our towns are destroyed, and we’re left without homes.”

SHAN made repeated attempts to contact TNLA spokesperson Lway Yay Oo by phone, Telegram and Signal for comment on the talks and their agenda, but received no response.

The dialogue comes amid shifting frontlines in northern Shan State. During the Brotherhood Alliance’s Operation 1027 offensive, launched in late October 2023, the TNLA captured numerous towns across northern Shan State. However, sustained military counter-offensives throughout 2025 forced the group to relinquish control of several urban centers, including Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Nawnghkio, Mong Mit (Momeik) and Monkut (Mogok).

The TNLA continues to administer areas including Namhsan, Mantong, Namtu, Monglong and Namhkam.

Regional sources told SHAN that during the Naypyidaw talks, the TNLA delegation also sought formal constitutional recognition of an autonomous Ta’ang State.