Myanmar Spring Chronicle – Scenes from February 22
MoeMaKa), February 23, 2026
Trending Topics on Social Media vs. Realities on the Ground
In recent weeks, there have been two major topics drawing particular attention among Myanmar social media users, especially Facebook users.
The first is the news of Bo Nagar’s surrender, the subsequent developments, and the differing opinions surrounding the incident. The second concerns the complaint filed against Daw Kyi Pyar, Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office of the National Unity Government (NUG), and her husband, along with the investigative committee’s findings and the resulting aftermath. Based on differing views over the issue, disagreements and verbal attacks have emerged among anti-coup forces.
These two events have become the most talked-about and most closely followed topics among Myanmar social media users.
Of the two, Bo Nagar’s surrender is the one with significant consequences on the ground. It has already had an impact on the armed resistance movement in Upper Myanmar (Anyar region), and it remains unclear what further effects may follow.
It is still unknown whether Bo Nagar—who had established himself in the Pale area in a militia-like capacity—will return there, or whether, if he refuses to do so, he will remain under military surveillance. In past years, there have been cases where the military reduced sentences and released well-known anti-military figures—whether those who surrendered or prominent critics—and then persuaded them to publicly spread pro-military narratives.
Given that Bo Nagar once fought against the military and has now surrendered, there is a strong likelihood that the military may attempt to reuse him in the region as a local defense force under its control. Whether he will choose to cooperate in such a role is still unknown.
It is beyond dispute that the coup military has benefited from Bo Nagar’s surrender. With an estimated force of four to five hundred personnel and deep familiarity with the territory around Pale Township, the structure and positioning of resistance forces, the backgrounds of participants and their networks, the revenue streams of revolutionary groups, and the movements and connections of allied organizations, the information he possesses could be useful to the military, at least for a certain period of time.
However, in social media debates about the aftermath of his surrender, more attention has been given to disputes between Bo Nagar and local People’s Defense Teams (Pa Ka Pha), and to arguments between his supporters and those backing the NUG and the “Pa Thone Lone” groups. Most of the discussions center on proving who is right, rather than focusing on the potential consequences for local residents in Pale and Yinmarbin.
Rather than drawing lessons from the incident, many appear more eager to prove their own correctness. There seems to be less interest in the likely impact on villages and civilians in Pale and surrounding areas.
Myanmar social media platforms serve as important channels for connecting people, sharing information, mobilizing opposition to military dictatorship, and encouraging participation in the armed resistance. They are also highly useful communication tools for warning and alerting the public about potential dangers.
In situations where phone and cable internet connections are cut off, efforts to access the internet through satellite communications such as Starlink represent a positive development.
Following the news of Bo Nagar’s surrender, the next most discussed topic on Myanmar social media has been the complaint against Daw Kyi Pyar, Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office. On the night of February 18—the same day Bo Nagar surrendered—an official statement regarding the investigation results was released. Subsequent back-and-forth debates and further dissemination of information led to extensive coverage in both social media and Myanmar news outlets, with the Secretary’s case occupying headlines for several days.
The investigation committee’s conclusion—issuing a “serious warning”—sparked intense criticism and further controversy, to the extent that the committee held a press conference within days.
This matter is indeed significant, as it relates to the accountability of the NUG government, which serves as the political and military leadership of the Spring Revolution. However, it is equally important not to overlook the ongoing military situation on the ground, the hardships faced by displaced civilians in Upper Myanmar, the cooperation between the NUG and allied organizations, and the recent clashes occurring at the lower levels between different ethnic armed groups.
While issues on social media do reflect public opinion to some extent, it is important not to focus exclusively on social media controversies and spend all our time on them.