14th April, 2021 #day73

 

Reports of the junta’s troops distributing pamphlets in Naypyidaw explaining why the military took the state’s power have gone viral today. After being banned on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, the junta is using various methods to spread its propaganda. The junta-run MWD is now using Telegram. The two-page pamphlet describes that the NLD was secretly plotting to win the election, democracy was failing due to electoral fraud, and the state’s power is taken the state’s power in accordance with the constitution. It also compares the difference between a coup d'etat and seizing the state’s power in term of four dimensions: constitutional or not, status of the constitution, a time limit, head of state, and a parliamentary dissolution. Writing anti-dictatorship slogans on cash has become popular among young people. For a cash society, this method seems to be quite effective as inks are difficult to erase and messages can quickly be reached to large numbers of people.

The news that the TNLA (Ta'ang) ethnic armed group has sentenced a rapist to death is also popular among Myanmar’s netizens. The PSLF/TNLA Justice Department found him guilty of rape-murder of five-year old kid in Nam San Township on April 1, according to the TNLA. Ethnic armed groups in Myanmar with extensive territorial control and population have been exercising administrative and judicial systems in their controlled areas. Some groups have not only their own laws and regulations but also the police force and ministerial like bodies for the enforcement. Fighting continues between the RCSS and coalition forces of SSPP and TNLA in Namtu Township, Northern Shan State. The prospect of a federal army based on ethnic armed groups is dwindling and expectations among the people are also fading. As the planting season approaches, locals told Shwe Phee Myay News that they are worried about growing crops in time due to the recent fighting and potential famine in the region.

According to Kachinwaves media reports, the KIA has defeated the Momauk-based Light Infantry Battalion 320 in Mount Alaw Bum battle today. Alaw Bum is strategically located on the road to Laiza, the KIA headquarters and it had been occupied by the Tatmadaw since 1987. According to KIA Colonel Naw Bu, many prisoners of war have been captured and many of them who fled from the front lines are starving and suffering from mental breakdown. According to Khit Thit Media, the junta have been reinforcing the troops and there were seven landings of Y8 military aircraft at Bhamo Airport today, approximately caring 800 military personnel. The fighting at the Alaw Bum, which began on March 25, has now lasted 21 days. Maung Maung Soe, an ethnic affairs expert , wrote on his social media page that it remains to be seen whether the fighting will last longer than the famous 2016 Gidon battle which lasted more than four months.

In Myingyan, another major city in Mandalay Region, members of the junta are carrying out shootings today. RFA reports that two people have been killed so far. Several seriously injured people have also been taken away and their conditions are still unknown. The Mon Unity Party (MUP) has issued a letter urging those who falsely accuse the party on social media to apologize at their party headquarters. Three Mon parties merged and formed the MUP before the 2020 election. It has won some constituencies in Mon State, but it has been criticized for joining the military council. Last month, about 30 party members, including some party leaders, announced their resignation.

The Australian government, which has been criticized for its reactive stance on Myanmar current issues, held a parliamentary hearing yesterday and met with Myanmar community’s leaders. Parliamentarians have promised the Myanmar diaspora that the government will take proactive approaches. Sean Turnell, an Australian economist, is still being held by the junta. Other two arrested Australians have reportedly been released but no confirmation has not been made from both sides. Justice For Myanmar, which investigates the military’s businesses, reported that Korean company POSCO is paying $ 1.8 million a year to the military for its 63% owned LOTTE hotel in Yangon which is built on the Tatmadaw’s land. Moreover, billions of dollars will be paid for the 70-year contract. POSCO international also has a joint venture with IGE, which is partly owned by military families. According to Justice for Myanmar, the Ministry of Defence is exempt from auditing under the Auditor General of the Union Law.