Summary of News
- NUG initiates public service for reporting, investigating, and addressing concerns on military junta’s forced conscription activities
- Ethnic Organisations’ leaders engage with Counsellor of US Department of State
- One more political prisoner killed by junta officials in Dawei Prison, Tanintharyi Region
- Woman dies of shock after giving birth upon learning of military junta forces advancement in Salingyi Township, Sagaing Region
- Landmines attack on military convoy returning from Armed Forces Day Parade in Nay Pyi Taw results in deaths of five junta troops, including officer
- Three local people’s defence forces consolidate into coalition to enhance military operations in Pakokku township and ceremony held to mark new coalition and armament
1. NUG initiates public service for reporting, investigating, and addressing concerns on military junta’s forced conscription activities
On March 30, the National Unity Government unveiled a platform where the public can report complaints, make inquiries, and consult regarding the military junta’s forced recruitment practices under the pretext of compulsory conscription laws. This initiative seeks to alleviate the anxieties and concerns of the general public impacted by the junta’s forced enlistment activities by offering consultation, guidance, and connections to relevant support organizations. Furthermore, complaints and reports will be documented and shared with international bodies for further action.
The service will be accessible through the Telegram channel https://t.me/nugpublicaffairsbot and will operate daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., starting on March 30.
2. Ethnic Organisations’ leaders engage with Counsellor of US Department of State
On March 28 (US time), Mr. Derek Chollet, Counsellor at the US Department of State, revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that he had engaged in discussions with leaders of the K3C coalition, which includes the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO), the Karen National Union (KNU), the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), and the Chin National Front (CNF). Mr. Chollet stated, “[I] met today with leaders of Burma’s ‘K3C’ ethnic group alliance on their extraordinary efforts to pursue a federal democracy in Burma. We discussed steps for the international community to expand assistance to those in need and secure a better future for the people of Burma.”
Recently, President Biden signed an appropriation of $121 million for humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, as authorised under the Burma Act of 2022, after both chambers of the US Congress reached an agreement. Experts suggest that the discussion between Mr. Derek Chollet and the K3C members may relate to the provision of non-lethal and technical assistance.
The KIO, KNU, KNPP, and CNF are ethnic resistance organisations that, along with the National Unity Government (NUG), issued a joint position statement on the Annihilation of Military Dictatorship and Establishment of a Federal Democratic Union on January 31, 2024, outlining commonly agreed action plans.
3. One more political prisoner killed by junta officials in Dawei Prison, Tanintharyi Region
On March 28, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) reported that political prisoner Win Thiha was killed by junta police after being taken out of Dawei Prison in Tanintharyi Region on March 16. The previous day, members of the junta’s Military Security Affairs and Police Force had conducted an inspection at Dawei Prison and subjected Win Thiha and other political prisoners to solitary confinement for allegedly possessing mobile phones. Subsequently, on March 16, prison authorities took him out of the prison for questioning and claimed he was killed while attempting to escape.
Win Thiha, aged 35, was serving a seven-year prison term under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code and Sections 51(a) and 52(c) of the Counter-Terrorism Law.
Despite attempts by his family to visit him on March 20, they were denied access, and they received notification of his death on March 23. His body was not returned to them.
The Political Prisoners Network-Myanmar (PPNM) noted the authorities’ explanation for Win Thiha’s death as absurd. Additionally, the PPNM stated that the prison authorities deliberately failed to inform Win Thiha’s family of his death and attempted to conceal the incident.
The PPNM called on the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations to investigate Win Thiha’s case and other instances where inmates were unlawfully removed from prison facilities.
According to the AAPP, between January 1, 2024, and March 29, 2024, a total of 19 individuals were killed after being arrested—10 males in detention centres, one male in a police station, and eight individuals (six males and two females) in prisons.
4. Woman dies of shock after giving birth upon learning of military junta forces advancement in Salingyi Township, Sagaing Region
In a tragic incident, a woman passed away shortly after giving birth upon learning of the advance of military junta forces in two military trucks in Salingyi Township, situated within the Sagaing Region.
The Strike Group representing villages along the Chindin River reported that a convoy of two military trucks, shielded by iron plates and transporting troops, entered Kan Kone village and surrounding villages in Salingyi township, Sagaing Region, at approximately 10:00 a.m. on March 29. This incursion resulted in the death of a woman from Kan Kone village who had recently given birth and led to the temporary displacement of residents from 10 villages. According to the group’s report, residents from three of these villages remain displaced to this day.
5. Landmines attack on military convoy returning from Armed Forces Day Parade in Nay Pyi Taw results in deaths of five junta troops, including officer
Company 4 (also known as the Peacock Princes Brothers Column) of the Northern Thandaung Defence Force (NDTF) initiated a landmine assault on a military convoy transporting junta personnel, including a lieutenant colonel from the Taungoo-based 26th Infantry Battalion and a pilot from the Taungoo Air Force Base. These individuals were returning from their participation in the Armed Forces Day Parade in Nay Pyi Taw.
The attack occurred as the convoy approached Yedashe town on the late evening of March 28. Members of the Peacock Princes Brothers Column who had been lying in wait ambushed the convoy, destroying one of the three military vehicles and resulting in the deaths of five junta personnel, including a military officer from the 26th Infantry Battalion.
Following the landmine attack, according to the Peacock Princes Brothers Column, the junta convoy returned to Nay Pyi Taw, transporting the deceased, after assigning local junta members to secure the area.
6. Three local people’s defence forces consolidate into coalition to enhance military operations in Pakokku township and ceremony held to mark new coalition and armament
In Pakokku township, Magway Region, three local people’s defence forces—namely the Earthquake People’s Defence Force, Young Force UG, and Pakokku People’s Defence Force—have merged to form a coalition aimed at bolstering military operations. A ceremony was convened on March 29, attended by 70 comrades from the three forces, to commemorate the establishment of this new coalition and its arming.
During the ceremony, coalition leaders delivered speeches instructing comrades to adhere strictly to military codes of conduct, rules, and regulations governing the armed forces, while emphasising the importance of always respecting the public. Furthermore, comrades were urged to demonstrate respect for and appreciation of weapons and military equipment acquired with the support of the community.
Furthermore, the three groups extended invitations to additional revolutionary forces within the township to join the coalition, with the goal of fortifying Pakokku township’s organisational strength for more effective military endeavours and fostering mutual respect among revolutionary comrades across the region.
#Credit : Radio NUG
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