After the Confederation's failed military campaigns in 1543–45 that resulted in the loss of Central Burma, Hkonmaing lost the support of Sawlon II of Mohnyin.
His father was the only ally of King Narapati II of Ava between 1505 and 1527 when they unsuccessfully fought against Sawlon I of Mohnyin.
King Thohanbwa, who was deeply unpopular with his subjects even before his military defeats against Toungoo Dynasty,[4] had been assassinated in May 1542 (Kason 904 ME).
Not only did they believe the Ava throne rightfully belonged to them but they were also appalled by Thohanbwa's assassin Yan Naung remaining in office.
The Confederation leadership reluctantly accepted Hkonmaing as king of Ava in August/September 1542,[note 5] and agreed to continue the war.
All seven Confederation states (Ava, Mohnyin, Momeik, Hsenwi, Bhamo, Hsipaw and Yawnghwe) had agreed to contribute manpower and materiel.
They sent a small army led by Sithu Kyawhtin as a probe in late 1544, which was subsequently destroyed at Salin.