27th April, 2021 #day86

 

News of the clashes between Chin people armed with hunting rifles and members of the military council in Mindat, southern Chin State, has caught the attention of the netizens. The Chin State-based media reported that the junta troops ignoring locals’ demand for the release of the seven detainees no later than 8 pm on April 24 and opening fire on a motorcyclist in the town triggered the armed clashes. This morning, intense fighting broke out between of the Chinland Defense Force (CDF) and military reinforcements coming from Matupi and Pakkoku near a golf course located at the entrance of the town, according to Khonumthung Media. Locals said about 17 soldiers were killed. But junta-run media reported that only one soldier was killed, and three others were injured in the April 26 shooting. According to Chin World, the Monywa-based Northwest Deputy Commander, through some residents of Mindat, called for a temporary ceasefire with the CDF in the evening. However, the CDF called for the immediate withdrawal of troops, release of detainees, and the immediate withdrawal of all military bases in the town. Members of CDF urged other townships to start fighting the junta. Locals claimed that the military used heavy weapons including RPGs and grenade launcher. Fighting is currently stopped but is expected to intensify in the morning.

Street protests have again intensified in many big cities. More than 200 young people in Yangon today held flash mode protest in Sanchaung township despite tight security. DVB reported that one civilian was killed and at least five others were injured when the junta troops violently cracked down on protest in 6 Mile Village, Demoso, Kayah State. Some houses and vehicles were also damaged by the bullets. According to Khit Thit Media, residents of 14 villages in Kani and Yinmarpin Townships in Sagaing Region are fleeing into the jungle due to the military junta's arrests and killings. Locals said that they are struggling to make ends meet and that some elderly people are dying. The junta will reportedly lift the restriction of accessing internet from 1 am to 9 am tonight ending the two-month internet blockage. However, mobile internet and broadband internet will remain blocked as before.

According to Myanmar Now, the NUG government is preparing to pay full salaries to civil servants doing CDM. Although there are people-led CDM support programs, some are returning to work due to food shortages or threats after three months. The central bank today offered incentives to open new accounts at banks allowing people with new accounts unlimited withdrawal. But netizens claimed that people are not interested in creating new account as they only want to withdraw money from their current bank accounts due to inflation and unstable political condition.

According to the Karen Information Center, the KNLA Brigade 5 captured the military council outpost in Thaw Le Hta Htat in Hpapun Township, Karen State at around 7 am today. This is the second camp taken by the 5 Brigade since the coup. The number of casualties is not yet known, but Khit Thit Media reported that three KNU soldiers were killed while chasing the escaped junta troops along the Salween river. Soldiers form this outpost near the Thai-Myanmar used to shoot at a Thai patrol boat and other civilian boats. Three fighter jets bombed at the Dar Gwin area this evening, sources close to the KNU reported. DVB reported that more than 300 Thai villagers on the other side of the Salween River were evacuated this morning.

Fighting between the junta and the KIA has intensified in Bhamo District, Kachin State, according to DVB. As a result of the clashes, artillery shells exploded in nearby villages, forcing some 3,000 locals to flee. They have been forced to abandon their farms and cattle, making it difficult for them to earn a living. The KIA's 2nd Brigade, which operates in Bhamo District, issued a warning today not to provide assistance and transport for the members of the military council. A month-long battle between RCSS/SSA and Northern Alliance forces in northern Shan State has destroyed 50 houses and displaced more than 2,000 people in Namtu Township, according to Shan News. Social media users have posted frustrated comments about ethnic armed groups fighting each other. Following today's meeting of the 10 NCA signatories or PPST, the group welcomed the formation of the NUG and said it would coordinate and provide support to the CRPH. In addition, the statement said that PPST will try to initiate formation of a new alliance between ethnic armed groups.