FROM THE DVB NEWSROOM
Central Bank will take action against “unauthorized” currency traders
The Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) announced that it will take action against those who trade foreign currency on social networks without licenses. It listed the official foreign currency exchanges in the country and warned unauthorized dealers that it would file lawsuits against them under the Foreign Exchange Management Law.
Rohingya leaders killed in Cox’s Bazar
Bangladeshi police stated that two Rohingya leaders were killed near Cox’s Bazar on Oct. 15. A senior police official claimed that the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) was likely responsible for the murders, according to DW. The ARSA is widely believed to be behind the murder of prominent Rohingya human rights activist Mohib Ullah in Kutupalong Refugee Camp in September 2021.
U.S. diplomat says the junta’s elections may inflame violence
A U.S. diplomat said that it is not the right time to hold elections in Burma. The Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Melissa Brown made these comments at a press conference in Malaysia. Brown stated that elections would only cause more violent repression by the military as the people would reject its results. The junta claims an election will be held in 2023.
News by Region
KACHIN—A man died from stepping on a landmine while carrying bamboo in a village of Mogaung Townshipon Oct. 15. “The landmine [explosion] was strong. His legs were torn apart and blown off,” a witness told DVB. Last month, in the same township, a couple stepped on a landmine killing the husband and injuring the wife.
A Buddhist monk was shot dead by unidentified gunmen at his monastery in Laymile (Four miles) village near Mogaung town on Oct.16. A resident told DVB that around 10 people entered the monastery compound by car and opened fire on the monk and local administrators. “They chose the monk and shot him after they [the gunmen] told the others [admins] to bow their heads. Nothing happened to the others,” a resident said. The monk was shot six times. “The monk is close with the [Burma] army,” another resident said.
KAREN—A Burma Army outpost was captured by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) in Kyain Seikgyi Township on Oct.16. Burma Army personnel are said to have been killed and 19 were taken prisoner, including a deputy commander, a KNLA official stated.
RAKHINE—A member of the Arakan Army/United League of Arakan (AA/ULA) was killed by the Burma Army on Oct. 14. Myo Min Zaw was a AA/ULA administration official arrested in Ann Township’s Kazukai tract, according to residents. The AA has expanded its administration in Rakhine State by appointing officials since 2020.
Four prominent locals in Maungdaw have been charged under Section 17 (1)(2) of the Unlawful Associations Act on Oct. 16. “All of Rakhine State supports and aids the Arakan Army (AA)…The [the junta’s] actions are done with the purpose of making Rakhine people hate the AA,” a political analyst said. The junta has been arresting and charging people suspected of having ties to the AA under the Unlawful Associations Act.
SAGAING—The National Unity Government (NUG) opened one of its first local courts in Katha Township on Oct. 15. “The township court will handle cases if the relevant [NUG’s] village administrative bodies are unable to solve them,” the People’s Defense Group (PDG) announced. The NUG bestowed judicial powers to judges in 15 townships of Sagaing Region last May.
