1st April, 2021 #day60

 

Today marks the two months of the military coup in Myanmar. Despite the extreme brutality and oppression, people are still defying the junta and the resistance is still gaining momentum across the country in various ways. Therefore, the junta has used another tactic by ordering internet providers to shut down all wireless broadband data services indefinitely. At present, the junta has already cut off the internet access on mobile phones and imposed an internet blackout from 1 am to 9am for weeks. Shutting down the Wi-Fi internet will definitely disrupt the flow of information and impact on mass mobilization. In many locations, the junta’s troops have been seen destroying CCTV cameras on streets and houses. The people are extremely worried that the atrocities will escalate during the internet blackout. For Myanmar users, the Facebook team has introduced a new feature called “Profile Lock” by which users can hide their profiles as the junta has used Facebook profiles to arrest and prosecute protesters, the CDMers, and journalists. If the profile is locked, people not in the friend list will not be able to access account holders’ photos and personal data.

The junta today charged some NLD government ministers, including Aung San Suu Kyi, of treason, corruption, and Official Secrets Act. Her lawyer, who met with her online yesterday, told to media that she is in good health, but he did not have a chance to explain what is happening outside. Sean Turnell is also charged with the Official Secrets Act. The offense carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. NLD-affiliated people, including an NLD MP in Kachin State, have been arrested again today, according to media reports. The CRPH announced the repeal of the 2008 constitution and announced a two-part federal democratic charter. The first part of the Charter is the Declaration of the Federal Democratic Union, and the second part is the interim constitutional arrangement. The front page of the paper states that the Charter is agreed upon by elected members of parliament, those leading the protests, ethnic armed organizations, and ethnic political parties. Many welcome the Charter saying that it is a document that have never yet exist in Myanmar’s history and that it is a basis for a constitution based on federal democracy. Some, including some lawyers, have criticized that the Charter as not being legally binding.

Airstrikes and ground attacks continue in Karen State, and the exact number of casualties is unknown for today. According to previous reports, more than 10 people were killed, including a five-year-old child. According to photos circulating on social media last night, about 500 troops from the 11th Brigade of the junta arrived at Sittwe Airport in Rakhine State. The Northern Alliance's unilateral ceasefire expired yesterday as well. Therefore, many worry that there could be a renewed war in Rakhine State between the junta’s troops and the Arakan Army. A few hours ago, the KIA's 1st Brigade, operating in Putao region, issued a letter urging locals' vehicles not to carry junta’s troops and their equipment, not to cover their trucks, and religious groups not to let them rest in their compounds. The KIA's 9th Brigade in Hpakant also issued a similar warning on March 18. In addition, the 8th Brigade in Mohnyin township issued a warning letter to the junta on March 28 to stop the violence.

Local reports said that villagers along the Gangaw-Kalay highway are forming militias and still fighting the junta’s troops. According to Chin World Media, one villager was shot dead. Township-based anti-dictatorship groups are being formed in many cities. According to their statements, the main objectives of these groups are to target the junta’s troops, its informants (Dalans), and civil servants who do not join CDM, to coordinate among the protesters in the township, and to help the families of fallen protesters. These groups are somewhat different from the public administrative groups mentioned by the CRPH. These group focuses on coordination with the CRPH, township-based self-government, and finally opposition against junta-appointed local administrators. The military-owned Ruby Mark in Yangon and the Gandamar Wholesale caught fire last night and this morning. The details of the cause of fire are still unknown, but social media users claimed that protesters did not do that as no one dare to go out at night due to the curfew. Eyewitnesses told Khit Thit Media that a woman who went to put out the Ruby Mark fire was shot dead and two civilians were injured.