17th April, 2021 #day76

 

On the Burmese New Year's Day, people across Myanmar are protesting in support of the National Unity Government cheering the genuine people’s government or government of the resistance. In places where security is extremely tight, young people are seen posting “Welcome NUG” papers in public places. The NUG held its first cabinet meeting online today. In his New Year's address, Vice President Duwa Lashi La said the new government have two priorities: strengthening engagement with the people at the grassroots level and gaining international recognition. At the NUG ministers' press conference last night, ministers said that the formation of a federal army is a long-term goal and therefore is currently prioritizing the formation of the People's Defence Force, and the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) will be announced in a week. They added that more than 90 percent of ethnic armed organizations agreed to the first part of the Federal Charter and are still negotiating the second part, and that there are the Tatmadaw’s generals who are not happy with Min Aung Hlaing’s actions.

In Mogok of Mandalay also known as a ruby land, at least six protesters were injured and two were killed in a today’s brutal crackdown, the Irrawaddy reported. A citizen journalist’s video footage of one commander instructing his soldiers saying, “I want five people (protesters), and I want them dead,” has also been going viral on the internet. In addition, a video footage of a civilian with a gunshot wound to his leg crawling on the streets of Mogok and a photo of the junta’s troops carting away two civilian dead bodies have also been circulating on social media today. A lieutenant was killed, and three others were injured in a bomb blast at the General Administrative Office in Yankin township, Yangon, this afternoon, according to the Than Lwin Khet News. Locals near the scene said that someone throw a hand grenade into the office and multiple gunshots were heard soon after the explosion. There was an explosion in Yankin a few days ago but injured no one. There was also an explosion near Revolution Park on U Wisara Road this evening. At around 8 p.m. last night, an explosion was heard in almost all of Yangon, but no details were available due to the night curfew.

Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tanee Sangrat told reporters that the coup leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, will attend the ASEAN Leaders' Meeting on Myanmar issues. The summit will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia on April 24. Local and foreign groups and individuals have criticized the stance of ASEAN for attempting to recognize the junta that killed more than 700 people. Netizens are launching an online campaign called #ASEANrejectSAC tonight and calling Myanmar to leave the ASEAN which stand opposite side of the will of the Myanmar people. Again, the junta issued arrest warrants under Section 505 (a) for 20 medical doctors for joining the CDM. The junta has granted amnesty to about 23,000 prisoners today, a custom held on New Year's Day, according to Frontier Myanmar. Three members of the Peacock Generation who were imprisoned in 2019 for their satirical Thingyan chat about the military have also been released. But netizens said that they are worried about the release of criminals, as in the past, could jeopardize community security.

The three northern allies sent a letter of congratulations on the 32nd anniversary of the building peace between the “Wa” Special Region (2) aka UWSA and the Tatmadaw. The open letter called on the UWSA to protect their common interests, participate in political change and the peace process, and implement their common goals. The UWSA is still silent on the Spring Revolution. In Kachin State, the KIA seized a joint checkpoint of the junta in Waingmaw township this morning, an official told DVB. According to citizen journalists, the KIA is now attacking the junta’s 320 Battalion, which lost many of its troops in Alaw Bum. In Putao township, the junta’s troops have been using civilians as human shields, porters, and civilian vehicles on the front lines for fear of a KIA attack, the Kachin News Group reported. KNU Brigade 5 issued statement in support of CRPH activities and CDM. The letter called on the people in Hpapun to be careful as the junta is preparing to launch another offensive against them and to provide information about the troops’ movement. The KNU Concerned Group, which is made up of former KNU leaders, including former KNU Vice-Chairman Naw Zipporah Sein, has welcomed the formation of the NUG. Naw Htoo Paw, NUG's Deputy Minister of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, previously provided technical assistance to Naw Zipporah Sein during her time in KNU leadership.

The Korea Herald reports that the South Korean government will suspend its infrastructure investment in Myanmar. Mizzima reports that people in five US cities held protests against the American energy giant Chevron urging its immediate withdrawal from Myanmar’s oil and gas business. According to Frontier Myanmar, the military-owned “Myanmar Beer” has lost about US$ 1 billion in two months due to public boycotts. Popular beer brand, which accounts for 80 percent of Myanmar's beer market, has seen sales drop at 80-90 percent since the coup. Netizens are praising the determination of beer lovers.