6th April, 2021 #day65

 

As international pressure grows, China and Russia that have always defended the junta call on the international community not to intervene in Myanmar affairs. Zhao Lijian, a spokesman of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular press conference today that there are “three avoids” as positions of China on Myanmar’s crisis. He said that “firstly, to avoid further bloodshed, conflicts and civilian casualties, and prevent the situation from deteriorating or even spiralling out of control. Secondly, to avoid improper intervention of the UN Security Council, lest it should undermine Myanmar's sovereignty and further complicate the situation. Thirdly, to avoid the move of some external forces to add fuel to the flames and mess up Myanmar in pursuit of selfish gains,” according to its Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website.

Similarly, Reuters reports that spokesperson of Russia government told to Russia media that sanctions and international pressure on Myanmar have negative consequences and may lead to larger civil conflict. Russia has sent its envoy to attend Armed Forces Day ceremony in Naypyidaw, the same day more than 100 people were killed across the country. Social media users have criticized China for interfering in the affairs of other countries, but for saying other should not intervene in Myanmar. The anti-Chinese sentiment is growing in the country and at many locations, protesters burned Chinese flags and are calling to boycott of Chinese products. However, public criticism over the Russian government is relatively low compared to China as Russia is less involved in Myanmar’s politics and economy than China.

CNN leaves Myanmar today. Only eight of the eleven people arrested for talking to a CNN correspondent have been released, according to the CNN. Some local and foreign journalists are criticizing CNN on social media for coming to Myanmar at a time when the legitimacy of the junta is being questioned and many have been continuously killed. An NLD MP has been arrested in Moulmein due to informants, citizen journalists reported. Zarganar, a well-known comedian and politician; Win Min Than, a beauty blogger, have been arrested today as well. According to the Irrawaddy, about 120 celebrities and public figures have been charged under Section 505 (a). Some young people in Yangon staged #BloodStrike today, spraying red paint on the streets and public places. The Ayeyarwaddy Times reported that about 15 soldiers, including a naval officer, fled from Mupon Naval Base in Moulmein. They left their weapons and fled while the junta is conducting naval exercises in the Bay of Bengal. Kyaw Moe Tun, the Myanmar ambassador to the UN in New York who have joined the CRPH, told VOA that he is still recognized as ambassador at the UN and is working to take action against the junta.

The Thai Border Shan State Refugee Committee told VOA that Shan locals near the border areas are extremely worried as the junta’s fighters were flying near the Shan refugees camp near Loi Tai Leng where RCSS headquarter is based. At the same time, the RCSS and the TNLA continued fighting in Hsipaw Township, Shan State, with about one thousand locals fleeing their villages, according to the Irrawaddy. Rumour about the whole 111 battalion under the 33rd Brigade of the junta killed in a KIA attack in Wontho Township, Kachin State, have been circulating on social media since yesterday. However, any reliable media has not yet been confirmed it. The Karen Information Center reported that the KNU has begun attacking the KNU's 6th Brigade which operates in Ye Township, Mon State, despite the junta’s unilateral one-month ceasefire announcement. Currently, four of the seven KNU brigades are being attacked by the junta. In Kalay, where locals are taking fighting the junta’s troops with handmade rifles, locals are fleeing to other nearby towns and near the border, according to RFA. Protesters recently formed the Kalay Civil Army (KCA) and have been fighting the junta since March 27.