16th April, 2021 #day75

 

On the last day of the Thingyan New Year, the CRPH announced the formation of a National Unity Government (NUG) with 27 positions. Including the positions of President for Win Myint and State Counsellor for Aung San Suu Kyi, the newly formed government is made up of the Vice-president, Prime Minister, and 11 ministries headed by 10 ministers and 12 deputy ministers. Dr. Sasa has been appointed as the spokesperson. The full profile of all participants is not yet known, but according to available data, there are at least 30% (8) women; 51% (14) non-Burmans; 37% (10) non-NLD members and 37% (10) Christians. Moreover, at least 10% (2/3) of the members are young people and most of them are middle-aged. In addition, people close to the ethnic armed organizations, including a vice-chairman in an ethnic armed group: Chin National Front, well-known politicians, civil societies’ leaders, scholars and protest leader are also involved in the government of the resistants. Many are now praising the NUG on their social media accounts. However, prominent Rakhine and Shan politicians and representatives of some powerful ethnic armed groups have not been included. It is speculated that the soon-to-be-formed National Unity Government Advisory Council may include these groups.

The TNLA (Ta'ang), a member of Norther Alliance, welcomes the formation of the NUG, becoming the first group among ethnic armed organizations and local organizations. The TNLA is fighting with the junta in northern Shan State. The TNLA's secretary general, Brigadier General Phone Kyaw, wrote that although they are not part of the NUG government due to various circumstances, they will prepare to support and work together. In addition, Twan Mrat Naing the Commander-in-Chief of the Arakan Army, another member of the Northern Alliance, wrote on his social media page in Rakhine, "we were invited respectfully. We did not take part due to our own stance. There is no need to blame them." The AA, which already controls much of Rakhine State, has welcomed the anti-coup movement, but has issued a letter urging not to carry out street protests and the CDM in Rakhine. Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M) led by Yanghee Lee, a former UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, has welcomed the NUG saying it is historic and legitimate government of Myanmar. According to CRPH's Public Voice TV, there are countries that will recognize the new government. The United States and Nordic countries, which have frequent contact with the CRPH, are expected to be the first to support it.

A photo of Wai Moe Naing, a prominent protest leader who was arrested yesterday, has spread on social media today, with bruises on his face. Netizens have condemned the action of the junta and have compared his photo to that of smiling junta soldiers captured by the KNU in Karen State, claiming same groups with arms but very different behaviours. According to Ayeyarwaddy Time, young people in Ayeyarwaddy Region have formed the Ayeyarwaddy Federal Army. In the past, youths in Kalay (Kale), Sagaing Region, formed the Kalay Civil Army and retaliated with handmade rifles and weapons. In addition, netizens are saying that there should be armed organization representing the majority Burmans as other ethnic groups have their own armed groups.

In Mandalay, DVB reported that members of the junta were forcing locals to participate in water festival. This year festival is deserted across the country as people boycott it in honour of the fallen heroes. Six people were killed in clashes between local security forces and the junta’ troops in Kani township, Sagaing Region, yesterday evening, according to Myanmar Now. According to the AAPP, 728 people have been killed as of today. According to a report by Nikkei Asia yesterday, Meitei, an Indian-based Manipur armed group, has helped to crackdown anti-coup protests in Sagaing near the India-Burma border. These militants crossed into Myanmar wearing the Tatmadaw’s uniforms and opened fire on anti-coup protesters killing twelve civilians. In the past, the junta has reportedly used similar tactics asking some ethnic forces along the border to crackdown on dissidents.