Summary of News
- Acting President Duwa Lashi La and Union Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann extend felicitations on 76th anniversary of Chin National Day
- National Unity Government sends felicitation letter to the 76th anniversary of Chin National Day
- Union Minister Dr. Zaw Wai Soe highlights the need for systematic response against military junta’s compulsory military service
- Deputy Minister Ja Htoi Pan encourages public to purchase upcoming edition of the Spring Lottery boasting numerous prizes
- Deputy Minister of Human Rights highlights the importance of recognising equality and rights for those fighting against racial chauvinism, monopolies, and political tyranny
- AA seizes another military junta base in Maungdaw Township following 9-hour offensive
- Junta’s shelling and drone attack on civilian convoy kills 7 displaced people in Hsihseng, Southern Shan State
- Military junta troop defects to Kalay District PDF Battalion 6, rewarded with cash for handing over firearms
1. Acting President Duwa Lashi La and Union Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann extend felicitations on 76th anniversary of Chin National Day
Acting President Duwa Lashi La and Union Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann extend felicitation letters on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of Chin National Day, observed on February 20th.
In his letter, Acting President Duwa Lashi La expresses his deep pride and joy for the Chin ethnic community on the occasion of “Chin National Day,” a significant event marking their decision to abolish the longstanding traditional feudal system and oppose colonialism and imperialism in favour of establishing a federal democratic system in the Chin Hills. The Acting President underscores the crucial role played by the Chin ethnic people, who were the first to resist, using their traditional Tumee firearms, when the terrorist leader Min Aung Hlaing attempted to seize power on February 1, 2021. He highlights their ongoing engagement in the collective effort to eradicate military dictatorship and construct a federal democratic union. Wishing the Chin ethnic community, known for their commitment to democracy, self-determination, and federalism, success in their pursuit of political objectives, he extends his heartfelt hopes for the continued celebration of Chin National Day as long as the world exists.
Union Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann, in his letter, reflects on the significance of Chin National Day, recognising it as a commemoration of the values of efforts for national advancement, unity, resilience against injustice, and the promotion of democracy and national unity, not only for the Chin ethnic community but also for the entire population of Myanmar. He acknowledges the active involvement of the Chin ethnic people in a leading role throughout the ongoing revolution, dedicated to eradicating military dictatorship and establishing a federal democratic union, since the unjust coup attempt by the military in 2021. The Prime Minister extends his heartfelt wishes on Chin National Day, considering it a symbolic occasion representing the unity and courageous spirit of the Chin people. He hopes that the Chin ethnic community continues to play a pioneering and guiding role for both the Chin people and the entire population of Myanmar until the conclusion of the revolution.
2. National Unity Government sends felicitation letter to the 76th anniversary of Chin National Day
The National Unity Government (NUG) has sent a felicitation letter to commemorate the 76th anniversary of Chin National Day on February 20th.
In the letter, the NUG extends blessings for the Chin ethnic people to be safe and sound. The Chin people have designated February 20 as Chin National Day, commemorating their decision to adopt a modern democratic system of administration over a hereditary feudal system of administration in the Chin Hills, and celebrating it annually as one of their most important occasions.
The letter highlights the peaceful protests staged by the Chin people, alongside the entire population of Myanmar, in response to the military coup attempted by terrorist leader Min Aung Hlaing and his group in early 2021. These peaceful protests evolved into an armed resistance revolution due to the brutal crackdown by the terrorist military, which relied on weapons. The NUG notes that the Chin people’s traditional Tumee rifle resistance during this armed resistance has been historically renowned as the most famous and effective.
Furthermore, the NUG acknowledges the invaluable contributions and support of Chin people residing in other countries around the world towards the shared objectives of eradicating military dictatorship and establishing a federal democratic union. The NUG expresses profound respect for the sacrifices made by the Chin people, who cherish democracy and uphold the right to self-determination, throughout both past and ongoing revolutionary struggles.
3. Union Minister Dr. Zaw Wai Soe highlights the need for systematic response against military junta’s compulsory military service
During a February episode of the “From People to People” programme, Dr. Zaw Wai Soe, Union Minister for Education and Health, conveyed to the public, “Concerning the conscription law, my foremost point is to assert that it is not a law but an act of violence. This violence is directed towards the entire nation, every individual, and every locality. I want to stress the imperative need to resist such violence. In my view, it is necessary to respond to it systematically.”
On February 10, 2024, the military junta leader enforced the compulsory military service law. According to this law, all individuals, both male and female, aged 18 and above, will be mandated to serve in the military, and teams for the selection process are currently being organised.
4. Deputy Minister Ja Htoi Pan encourages public to purchase upcoming edition of the Spring Lottery boasting numerous prizes
Via a Facebook post, Deputy Minister Ja Htoi Pan encouraged the public to purchase the new edition of Spring Lottery (Nway Oo Hti), saying, “The rewards offered in the updated Spring Lottery are impressive. By participating in the Nway Oo Hti, you can also extend support to CDM participants. Winning could potentially make you wealthy. Moreover, the funds generated will contribute to the revolution, eliminating the necessity to buy the junta’s lottery or any other foreign lotteries.”
In Nway Oo Hti 2.0, the grand prizes include a first prize of 500 million kyat, a second prize of 200 million kyat, a third prize of 100 million kyat, and a jackpot prize of 50 million kyat, along with numerous other prizes.
5. Deputy Minister of Human Rights highlights the importance of recognising equality and rights for those fighting against racial chauvinism, monopolies, and political tyranny
On February 20, Deputy Minister of Human Rights U Aung Kyaw Moe underscored the significance of respecting and recognising equality and rights, particularly for individuals engaged in the struggle against racial chauvinism, monopolies, and political tyranny.
He stated, “If individuals fighting against racial chauvinism, monopolies, and political tyranny fail to recognise the equality and rights of those who are less powerful and frequently impacted, then it will result in a loss of human resources and hinder the progress towards achieving a stable and developed state.”
6. AA seizes another military junta base in Maungdaw Township following 9-hour offensive
The Arakan Army (AA) announced a successful seizure of the military junta’s Pae Yoon Taung hilltop outpost in Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, on February 19 after a 9-hour offensive. The offensive launched at approximately 7:00 a.m. and concluded at 4:30 p.m. that evening, resulting in the capture of the outpost. Throughout the operation, the military junta conducted three airstrikes. The AA recovered over 10 bodies of junta troops and seized firearms and ammunition. The AA reported ongoing efforts to locate fleeing junta troops.
In Sittwe, Ponnakyun, Rathedaung, Ramree, Kyaukphyu, and Ann townships, there have been reports of junta troops withdrawing from their bases, resorting to indiscriminate artillery fire and occasional airstrikes, according to AA.
7. Junta’s shelling and drone attack on civilian convoy kills 7 displaced people in Hsihseng, Southern Shan State
Seven internally displaced individuals lost their lives in an artillery and drone attack by the military junta on a civilian convoy in Hsihseng Township, Southern Shan State, as reported by the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA). The incident occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. on February 19, when a convoy of displaced people, originally from Hsihseng Town, was returning to bring supplies. The military junta targeted the convoy with artillery shells and drone strikes, resulting in the deaths of seven civilians and injuries to several others.
The ethnic army asserted that the junta’s deliberate targeting of civilians amounted to open war crimes and human rights violations.
The ethnic army cautioned displaced individuals against believing unverified information online and urged them to verify and rely only on official news it releases.
8. Military junta troop defects to Kalay District PDF Battalion 6, rewarded with cash for handing over firearms
The No. 6 Battalion of the Kalay District People’s Defence Force (PDF) announced on February 20 that they had provided a cash reward to a soldier who had defected from the regime and sought refuge with them, bringing along a firearm.
Currently, the revolutionary forces are offering cash rewards to junta troops and police personnel who surrender with firearms and are relocating them to secure locations.
#Credit : Radio NUG
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