20th April, 2021 #day79

 

The junta is putting more pressure on CDM health workers, the initiators of the historic nationwide CDM movement. Addition to abductions, arrest warrants, dismissals, revocation of medical licenses and evictions from staff housings, the junta announced this evening that they will be blacklisted, and their passports will be revoked. The Civil Disobedience Movement initiated by the medical workers have shocked the junta by its scale and success. According to CDM support groups, CDM health workers account for around 90 percent of the entire health sector. However, they denied that the death toll has risen due to their actions, as the junta has accused. They claimed that they are still treating patients in private hospital and clinics, even though they are not returning to their works. Initially, the junta was reluctant to take action against them but has now made different kinds of threats.

RFA reports that Major Hein Thaw Oo from the 99th Infantry Division has joined CDM and fled to norther Shan State. He is reportedly the highest-ranking soldier, the rank of deputy battalion commander, participating in the CDM. He told RFA that military officers had hinted at a military coup since the NLD's victory in 2015 and it became oblivious right before the 2020 general election as the commanders did more and more tours to mobilize their troops. He added that there are still many more soldiers trying to escape but too afraid to do so. He also urged protesters and ethnic armed groups to be united and learn about their enemy and themselves in order to win the revolution. Outside, the guns cost about 20 lakhs and 40 lakhs, but the guns produced by the military factory are extremely cheap at only 9,000 to 16,000 kyat he said. The KNU's 5th Brigade issued a statement protesting the statement made by General Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for the Tatmadaw at the military council’s press conference. The statement said they have not violated the NCA, but the military has repeatedly violated all provisions of the NCA.

An eyewitness told the BBC that nine villagers were shot dead by the junta’s troops near Theikone village in Yinmarpin Township, Sagaing Region. At least 50 shots were fired, and heavy artilleries were used against the villagers around 5 pm this evening. Locals told the BBC that about 20 villagers have been killed or missing and that soldiers have also been killed but could not confirm the deaths. On April 17, clashes erupted between about 300 locals armed with handmade rifles and soldiers in nearby Kani Township. Many civilians have been displaced in these areas and are living in the open fields. The junta is distributing pamphlets in Mandalay saying that informer will be rewarded 100 lakh kyats ($ 6000) for the arrest of protest leader Tayzar San. A friend of his wrote on the social media that he did not know where he is, but he has Tayzar San's underwear which he would hand it over for 20 lakhs.

The junta announced tonight that the NUG and those involved in it have been declared as unlawful association. The CRPH have been declared an unlawful on March 21. According to Public Voice Television, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), which has members of 207 million in 160 countries, welcomed the formation of the NUG and urged international community to do the same. As the ASEAN summit approaches, pressure is mounting on ASEAN members. Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for an end to the atrocities committed by the military in Myanmar and said the current violence is not only Myanmar’s internal affair but also a violation of the ASEAN Charter and a threat to regional stability and security. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called on ASEAN leaders to use their influence to intervene in Myanmar. Some claimed that NUG's Foreign Minister Zin Mar Aung is invited to the meeting, but no confirmation from any reliable media outlets.

As the first country, UK Minister Nigel Adams had an online meeting with NUG's Minister for International Cooperation Dr Sasa today. This is the first meeting between NUG officials and a senior official of a foreign country since the formation of the NUG. News about Mimi Aung, an American-born Burmese woman who is leading the NASA project of the Mars Ingenuity helicopter, has been going viral among Myanmar youths. Netizens commented that her historic success is encouraging for young people back in Myanmar, as they are overwhelmed with bad news on a daily basis. The EU sanctions list also includes civilians from the military council, and to date, 35 people and two organisations have been sanctioned, according to DVB.