FROM THE DVB NEWSROOM
Beijing to help Naypyidaw establish its e-ID system
China agreed to help the regime with its planned national census during a meeting between it and Chinese officials in Beijing on Sept. 18. China will help the regime implement its electronic identification (e-ID) system. Naypyidaw has been collecting biometric data from Burmese citizens over the past few months for its e-ID system.
It will hold a trial census next month and the national census next year. Officials from the military-proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party said that the regime plans to hold its election in 2025. Civil society organizations have expressed concern that the e-ID system could be used for mass surveillance.
NUG pays ‘special attention’ to KNU on nation-building
The National Unity Government (NUG) Acting President Duwa Lashi La said that all resistance groups can learn about nation-building and how to sustain a multi-ethnic uprising from the Karen National Union (KNU).
“The KNU is a large armed force that maintains a foothold in the southern region. It is also an important organization for building a new democratic country in the future,” he added. The NUG states that since its inception in April 2021, there have been 9,900 battles between resistance forces and the Burma Army.
Regime official under investigation for corruption
General Mya Tun Oo, who serves as a minister in the regime’s Transport and Communications department, replaced Lieutenant General Moe Myint Tun as the chairperson of three organizations that monitor trade, investment, and foreign exchange.
Moe Myint Tun is under investigation for corruption. He was appointed to serve as the chairperson of the Myanmar Investment Commission, Foreign Exchange Supervisory Committee, and Central Committee on Ensuring Smooth Flow of Trade and Goods following the 2021 military coup.
Eleven Rohingya refugees die from dengue in Bangladesh
At least 11 Rohingya have died from dengue fever in Bangladesh’s refugee camps, states the U.N. International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). A report revealed that 12,924 people, including 11,116 from refugee camps, tested positive for dengue in Cox’s Bazar. Over 1,000 people with dengue, including 237 Rohingya, required hospitalization at Cox’s Bazar Sadar and Upazila hospitals for emergency medical treatment.
News by Region
YANGON—One woman was killed and one was injured during a landslide caused by heavy rain in Dala Township on Sept. 20, states the Myanmar Fire Service Department. Another five went missing after the Twante Canal bank collapsed. Ten homes were destroyed.
“We are evacuating the residents and we are also providing some food to them,” said a rescue team member. Township authorities and private social welfare groups have evacuated more than 350 people to monasteries. They are in need of clean drinking water, medicine and food.
ARAKAN—The owner of a mobile phone shop and money transfer service in Manaung Township was arrested and charged with incitement on Sept. 1 . “Six police officers came to his shop and arrested him. He is being detained at the police station,” said a Manaung resident.
Regime media reported that he spread “false news” on social media that could be harmful to the state. Locals claimed the man was not involved in politics.
SAGAING—Twelve people are currently missing following the sinking of a vessel in the Chindwin River in Mingin Township on Sept. 19, regime media reported. The vessel was transporting both passengers and goods from Sagaing’s Hkamti town and it sank due to a whirlpool.
Three Burma Army personnel, three company employees, and six civilians are reportedly among the missing. Regime media has not provided details regarding the total number of passengers on board or any further details about the incident. It added that search and rescue operations were underway.
TANINTHARYI—One civilian was killed in Khamaukkyi Township and 140 were displaced from their homes and fled into Thailand to escape fighting between resistance forces and the Burma Army Sept. 20-21.
“Resistance forces had to retreat because of Burma Army manpower,” said a spokesperson from the Kawthaung People’s Defense Force (PDF). A Thailand-based aid group provided assistance to the 140 newly-arrived refugees from Burma.
