Chin resistance says regime election not solution to crisis
Chin resistance forces told DVB that the regime’s elections scheduled to begin in December “do not represent” the people in Chinland since out of its nine townships, regime forces only control the state capital Hakha with partial control of Thantlang Township, located 22 miles (35 km) west of Hakha, and Tedim Township 117 miles (188 km) north of Hakha.
The two factions of the Chin resistance control Kanpetlet, Tonzang, Mindat, Matupi and Falam townships. Paletwa in southern Chinland was seized by the Arakan Army (AA) in January 2024. Salai Yaw Man, the Chin Brotherhood spokesperson, told DVB that the regime’s election is “not a solution” to the country’s crisis since the 2021 military coup.
A Chin political analyst told DVB that due to the electoral system in Burma parliamentary seats in Chinland could be won by candidates from pro-military political parties since only three Chin parties are among the 58 registered with the Union Election Commission (UEC). The 2008 constitution states that each township elects two representatives who will form each region or state parliament.
Naypyidaw wants safe and secure polls in December
The regime Home Affairs Ministry held a meeting in Naypyidaw on Wednesday to discuss measures on how the authorities can reduce crime and to ensure the security of the elections beginning this December. This followed Min Aung Hlaing’s pledge to protect political party candidates and voters casting their ballots during a meeting in Naypyidaw on Aug. 3.
“Police must ensure the safety of party candidates and voters in their respective regions,” the regime Home Affairs Minister Tun Tun Naung told attendees. A retired police officer told DVB that they would arrest anyone caught protesting. Min Aung Hlaing enacted the “Elections Protection Law” on July 29, which carries a maximum sentence of death for anyone convicted of “disrupting” the elections.
A source close to the regime Ministry of Home Affairs told DVB on the condition of anonymity that nearly 967 murders were reported in 2024 with 151 of them taking place in the Yangon Region. The source claimed that between 500-600 criminal cases have been reported in Yangon annually since Feb. 1, 2021.
UN report documents Myanmar’s youth exodus
Over 55 percent of youth aged 18 to 35 believe that Burma is heading in the wrong direction, citing increasing insecurity, declining educational standards, and few job opportunities, according to a U.N. Development Programme (UNDP) report based on interviews with 7,187 youth across all states and regions of the country, released on International Youth Day Aug. 12.
“There are many reasons I left, including my family’s economic problems, the complex political situation, and unsafe living conditions,” a migrant worker from Burma in Thailand told DVB on the condition of anonymity. The UNDP report added that around 40 percent of Burma’s youth would leave the country if given the opportunity.
Burma’s 2014 census stated that 15 to 34 year-olds accounted for more than one-third of the total population. Youth identified economic hardship, the lack of employment opportunities, human rights violations, and fear of military conscription as the main push factors. An estimated 70,000 males aged 18 to 35 have been conscripted into the military since the conscription law was enforced on Feb. 10, 2024.
News by Region
ARAKAN—The Arakan Army (AA) stated on Wednesday that 21 people have died due to flooding across eight townships in June and July. It added that a total of 42,459 people in 165 villages were impacted. Fifty-three homes and two shelters were destroyed along with 18,823 acres of farmland.
At least 16 people have been killed and more than 131,000 have been displaced from their homes due to flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in Bago and Sagaing regions, as well as Karen, Karenni, Mon, Arakan, and Shan states since June, according to the U.N.
KACHIN—The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) confirmed to DVB that regime forces have taken control of half of the Bhamo Airport, which was seized by the KIA on Jan. 26. Bhamo is located 120 miles (193 km) south of Myitkyina and 56 miles (90 km) south of the KIA headquarters at Laiza.
Naw Bu, the KIA spokesperson, told DVB that despite his dismissal on Aug 12, regime forces did in fact take partial control of the Bhamo Airport from the KIA. The regime is fighting for control of Hpakant, Pangwa, Chipwi and Tsawlaw towns, which are either under full or partial KIA control.
Naw Bu added that assistance is needed following two separate instances of flooding in Laiza this month. The KIO has established a new relief committee to assist more than 100 households in five villages. Laiza is located on the Burma–China border 63 miles (101 km) south of Myitkyina.
“We are providing assistance, but we still need more support. The main challenge is drinking water,” Naw Bu said. Laiza FM reported that at least six civilians were killed and 116 homes and temporary shelters were destroyed in the floods between late July and early August.
MANDALAY—Sources close to the regime’s prison department told DVB that an estimated 1,000 political prisoners from Obo Prison have been transferred to other facilities in Magway and Bago regions so far this month. It also reported overcrowded conditions at Thayet Prison in Magway.
A source told DVB on the condition of anonymity that despite overcrowding, 450 political prisoners were transferred to Thayet Prison. Nearly 400 were sent to Magway Prison and several hundred others were sent to Thayarwady Prison in Bago Region, the source added.
(Exchange rate: $1 USD = 4,400 MMK)
