Summary of News
- National Unity Government has been steadfastly implementing five political action plans established in accordance with Federal Democracy Charter
- UN Human Rights Council extends mandates of Special Rapporteurs for Myanmar and Iran; calls on member states to ban jet fuel supplies to Myanmar military
- UN OCHA Report highlights record-high displacement in Myanmar
- Over 200 people arrests by military junta since start of 2024, highest numbers in Yangon and Mandalay
- KIA captures Han Htet strategic military outpost in Mansi township, Kachin State
- Artillery shell fired by military junta injures four women in Yesagyo evening market
- Civilians advised against night travel on Sagaing-Mingun route amid risk of being arrested by military junta for forced recruitment
- Military junta forces encounter minefield set by PDF in Htilin, Magway Region, resulting in four deaths
- Drone strike targets military junta security checkpoint in Kyaikto, Mon State
1. National Unity Government has been steadfastly implementing five political action plans established in accordance with Federal Democracy Charter
During the opening ceremony of the Second People’s Assembly organised by the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) on April 4, Acting President Duwa Lashi La stated that the National Unity Government has been consistently following the five action plans outlined in the Federal Democracy Charter. The Acting President emphasised, “The ongoing Spring Revolution is a time of urgency for the country and its people. They not only grapple with general crises but also bear the brunt of the challenges posed by the terrorist military regime. Amidst these circumstances, we are engaged in a dual struggle: the public’s revolutionary struggle and our resistance warfare.”
Presently, the National Unity Government is intensifying its military efforts, aiming to conclude the revolution by 2024.
2. UN Human Rights Council extends mandates of Special Rapporteurs for Myanmar and Iran; calls on member states to ban jet fuel supplies to Myanmar military
During the 55th session of the Human Rights Council, held from February 26 to April 5, 2024, a resolution on Myanmar was adopted unanimously by all 47 council members on the morning of April 4. The resolution calls on member states to abstain from exporting, selling, or transferring jet fuel to the Myanmar military. Additionally, the UN Human Rights Council decided to extend the mandates of both the Special Rapporteurs for Myanmar and Iran for another year.
Concurrently, the first open debate at the UN Security Council since 2019 took place in New York on the same day as the adoption of the new resolution on Myanmar by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
3. UN OCHA Report highlights record-high displacement in Myanmar
In the latest humanitarian update on Myanmar released by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) on April 5, a dire situation was underscored, depicting a deepening humanitarian crisis as conflict escalates across various states and regions of the country. Notably, the report reveals that a staggering number of individuals, more than 2.8 million, have been displaced from their homes. Among them, over 2.5 million people have fled conflict and insecurity since the military takeover in 2021.
In Kachin State, more than 18,000 people have been displaced across 10 townships since the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) initiated a new offensive on March 7. Meanwhile, ongoing clashes in Kale Township, Sagaing Region, have severely affected civilians, with an estimated 28,000 individuals displaced since late February amid fighting between the military junta’s armed forces and the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs).
The report also highlights the critical funding shortfall hindering humanitarian response efforts. Despite the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan appealing for $994 million, only 4% of the required funds have been secured thus far. Urgent additional resources are needed to support the 5.3 million people in need and replenish depleted supplies ahead of the approaching cyclone season.
The UN OCHA’s report underscores the dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar and the urgent need for international support to alleviate the suffering of millions affected by the ongoing crisis.
4. Over 200 people arrests by military junta since start of 2024, highest numbers in Yangon and Mandalay
According to a recent report by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), from the beginning of 2024 until April 4, 2024, a total of 206 individuals have been arrested by the military junta across Myanmar. Among them, 54 are women and 152 are men, with 2 individuals being re-arrested after previous releases. The highest number of arrests was recorded in Yangon Region, with 40 individuals detained, followed by Mandalay, with 32 individuals detained.
Furthermore, the report indicates that since the attempted military coup on February 1, 2021, a total of 26,477 individuals have been unlawfully detained, with 20,304 of them still held in custody. Among these detainees, 8,897 individuals have been sentenced to imprisonment based on arbitrary charges imposed by the military junta.
5. KIA captures Han Htet strategic military outpost in Mansi township, Kachin State
According to reports from military sources, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied revolutionary forces successfully seized a key military outpost near Han Htet (Ganhtak) village in Mansi township, Kachin State, today, on April 5. The KIA’s 3rd Brigade and allied forces have been conducting offensives and capturing military junta bases in Mansi township since the beginning of the year, and they captured the Han Htet strategic outpost, manned by approximately 80 troops from the 602nd Light Infantry Battalion (LIB-602) headquartered in Shwegu, at 9:00 a.m. following a three-day offensive. Before the launch of the March 7 Operation across Kachin State, the KIA and allied revolutionary forces had already seized strategic outposts and frontline bases in Mansi township, including Man Wing Gyi, Kaik Hteik, and Si Hkam Gyi.
The Han Htet outpost, captured this morning, is situated 9 miles from Mansi town and lies on the route to Mandalay and Namkham in Shan State. Therefore, it held strategic significance for the military junta forces as a transportation and support route, in addition to serving as a support and communication outpost for the frontline.
6. Artillery shell fired by military junta injures four women in Yesagyo evening market
Local reports indicate that in Yesagyo, Magway Region, four women were wounded when artillery shells fired by military junta forces stationed at the General Administration Department office detonated in an evening market. The incident occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. on April 4, with two rounds of artillery shells being fired indiscriminately.
A local informant stated, “One of the artillery shells launched by the military landed and exploded within a crowded market near MaO Temple monastery in No.5 Ward of Yesagyo town, injuring a woman who sells fried rice snacks, a woman who sells tomatoes, and two women who were shopping.”
Reportedly, two of the victims sustained severe injuries and were promptly taken to Pakokku Hospital. Residents also reported that the second shell failed to detonate as it became lodged in a tree.
According to reports from the Info Committee Yesagyo, the military junta forces have been consistently firing artillery shells indiscriminately on an almost daily basis. These actions resulted in the deaths of three civilians on March 23rd and one civilian on March 30th.
7. Civilians advised against night travel on Sagaing-Mingun route amid risk of being arrested by military junta for forced recruitment
The People’s Defence Force-Mingun (PDF-Mingun) has issued a cautionary notice advising civilians to avoid travelling on the Sagaing-Mingun road between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. starting April 4, except in cases of emergency health reasons. This measure aims to mitigate the risk of civilians being arrested by the military junta for forced recruitment. PDF-Mingun stated that this warning was prompted by reports of military junta personnel conducting arrests of civilians on this road and in nearby villages during nighttime hours. Additionally, PDF-Mingun urged civilians to inform them in advance if they need to travel for emergency purposes.
It’s important to note that the Sagaing-Mingun road is not under the control of PDF forces but is still under the control of the military junta. On March 29, the military arrested numerous youths who were returning from work on this road.
8. Military junta forces encounter minefield set by PDF in Htilin, Magway Region, resulting in four deaths
The Yaw Revolution Army (YRA), comprised of the 15th, 16th, and 17th Battalions of the People’s Defence Force (PDF) in Gangaw District, reported that a mine attack was conducted against 12 military junta soldiers who entered a pre-established minefield at around 7:30 a.m. on April 4. The incident resulted in the deaths of four junta soldiers and injuries to others.
These soldiers were reportedly part of a larger military junta column of around 70 soldiers who had departed from Htilin town before raiding and looting civilian belongings in Hta Lin village the previous night.
9. Drone strike targets military junta security checkpoint in Kyaikto, Mon State
The Kyaikto Revolutionary Forces (KRF), in collaboration with the Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army (KNU/KNLA) and Kyaikto People’s Defence Team, conducted a drone strike against military junta forces at the security checkpoint located at the junction of Kyaikto town and Moke Pa Lin village in Mon State. The attack occurred in the afternoon of April 4 and involved the use of four grenades.
According to the KRF, the targeted checkpoint had been causing difficulties for civilian travellers due to rigorous inspections and a heavy military presence at the road intersection.
Moreover, the KRF emphasised their commitment to avoiding actions that may harm the public while pledging to safeguard lives and properties. They reiterated their determination to continue fighting until the military dictatorship is eliminated.
#Credit : Radio NUG
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