FROM THE DVB NEWSROOM
A Heinous and Cowardly Act Committed by Junta Against Kachin
The horrific airstrike that killed dozens in Kachin State was widely condemned domestically and internationally. Regime media denied the accusations and called verified reports that civilians were killed “a rumor.” Read more here.
Amnesty International calls out junta for ‘escalating repression’
Amnesty International released a statement regarding the junta airstrike. Hana Young, Amnesty’s deputy regional director, demands immediate access be given to medics and humanitarian responders to Kachin civilians in need.
Burma Civil Society Calls to Scrap ASEAN 5-PC and recognize NUG
A letter signed by 457 civil society organizations in Burma calls on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to scrap its Five-Point Consensus and exclude the junta from all meetings indefinitely. It requests ASEAN to revise the mandate of the Special Envoy and publicly recognize the National Unity Government (NUG). ASEAN meets Thursday at its Secretariat in Jakarta. The junta has been barred from ASEAN meetings over its refusal to adhere to the 5-PC. Read more here.
More Burmese workers arrested in Thailand
Nearly 100 undocumented Burma nationals were arrested by Thai authorites. The arrests took place over two days from Oct. 22 to 23 in two separate provinces along the Thai-Burma border, according to the Royal Thai Army.
News by Region
AYEYARWADDY—Fifty-eight Rohingya, including a pregnant woman, were arrested in Maubin Township on Oct. 21. According to police, 37 men, 13 women, four children, and four drivers, were detained from a boat on the river. Rohingya arrested in Burma will be jailed and not be allowed to return home to Rakhine State, according to rights activists. The Rohingya have been stripped of their citizenship and identity documents under previous military regimes. They have no freedom of movement and are confined to villages and camps. Last August marked five years since a genocide was perpetrated by the Burma Army against the Rohingya. There has yet to be any accountability or justice for them. “The Rohingya who remain in Rakhine State face systematic abuses that amount to the crimes against humanity of apartheid, persecution, and deprivation of liberty,” states Human Rights Watch (HRW).
Three traffic police officers were killed in a bombing at a traffic checkpoint in Hinthada Township on Oct. 23. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Locals state that the attack was conducted by resistance forces. Police have been demanding bribes and making arrests at this checkpoint. It has been reported that more than 10 people have been arrested. Police allege they were behind the attack.
The military council has banned deliveries of parcels to prisoners inside Pathein Prison since the bombing at Insein Prison on Oct. 20. “Health conditions are bad inside prisons. Anyone who has been in prison realizes this. The food quality is poor. If you don’t get enough medicine and your nutritional needs are not met, you may have more health issues,” an activist said. Political prisoners’ families have to deliver food and other essential items to ensure needs are met. There are more than 370 political prisoners held at Pathein Prison.
KARENNI—A couple was killed and their children were injured in Loikaw Township on Oct. 23. An artillery shell fired by Burma Army troops landed at a shelter where the family was taking refuge. The father was killed immediately. His wife died the next day. The children survived the attack.
KACHIN—The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) advised all of its members to “participate vigorously” in a new political movement, according to Kachinwaves, a local media outlet. Gen N’Ban La, the KIO Chairperson, marked the 62nd anniversary of the KIO on Oct. 25. He said that the KIO must build a better future in Burma. The Burma Army killed dozens of people gathered to commemorate the KIO in an airstrike the previous day.
SAGAING—The Burma Army arrested 45 residents in Nyaung Pin Thar village in Monywa Township on Oct.24. The Burma Army entered Nyaung Pin Thar, Lin Po and Lin Pin Wa villages to make arrests. “Most of them were between ages 15 to 20 and their mobile phones were seized during their arrests. A villager who drove a motorcycle into the village was also shot and arrested and was later killed,” a local told DVB. Family members of those arrested are concerned for their loved ones safety and security. The Burma Army set fire to three houses, a warehouse, and two vehicles.
YANGON—A Shwe Pyi Thar Township administrator was shot and his wife was killed on Oct. 25. “The gunmen entered the office and fired at noon. Around ten shots were fired. The admin and his wife were hit. There were casualties,” a resident told DVB. A person living close to the office said that the administrator is in critical condition at the hospital. Another explosion was reported in the township earlier that day. Two people were injured.
