FROM THE DVB NEWSROOM
Indonesia claims ‘inclusive’ talks held to resolve crisis
Indonesia said that it had hosted talks with pro-democracy groups, ethnic armed organizations, the National Unity Government (NUG), and “interlocutors” from the military in Jakarta Nov. 20-22, CNA reported.
“The main objective is to bring conflicting parties to an inclusive dialogue, to reduce violence, and to ensure safe deliveries of humanitarian assistance for the people of Myanmar affected by the conflict,” stated Indonesia’s foreign ministry.
It added that the meeting was an indication of more inclusive talks to come. The NUG stated that it had provided updates on the political situation in the country but that it didn’t meet with any individual or group. It denied the possibility of any potential dialogue including the military.
Nearly 200 civilians killed since end of October
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) states that nearly 200 civilians have been killed and 263 others have been injured since Oct. 26. Nearly 355,000 people have become Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) with 33,000 displaced in Madaya Township of Mandalay Region, Matupi Township in Chin State, and Kale and Taze townships in Sagaing Region.
The U.N. added that fighting is underway in Shan, Arakan and Chin states, as well as Sagaing and Mandalay regions. Airports in Kale, Loikaw, and Lashio remain closed due to fighting. Roads are being blocked hindering the transportation of humanitarian aid. The number of total IDPs now exceeds two million across the country.
Burma national dies at hospital in India’s Manipur
A Burma national died at a hospital in Moreh, located in Manipur State of India, on Nov. 23. A crowd gathered outside of the hospital when news spread that an ethnic Kuki crossed into India to seek treatment for a gunshot wound and received assistance from the Assam Rifles, the Hindustan Times reported.
Burma’s Chin people share close ties to India’s Kuki. Violence between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities in Manipur have killed over 200 people since May. Manipur officials accuse Burma nationals of being responsible for the violence. Tens of thousands from Burma have sought refuge in India since the 2021 military coup.
News by Region
ARAKAN—The Arakan Army (AA) announced that it rescued 104 civilians in Pauktaw Township it claimed were being used as human shields by the military on Nov. 23. The AA claimed that 48 soldiers were killed during the operation.
At least 120 Pauktaw residents were rescued by the AA on Nov. 21. The 224 were initially detained by the military on Nov. 16. The AA stated all rescued civilians are safe. The U.N. stated that 500 Pauktaw residents were still trapped on Nov. 22.
More than 100 shops from Ponnagyun market burned down after the military fired artillery at it from the Kaladan river on Nov. 24. “The market price of a shop is over 20 million Myanmar kyat. I lost two shops and all the goods inside them,” said one shop owner.
Around 100 soldiers arrived at the market while firefighters extinguished the flames. Residents claimed that the soldiers forced them to flee the area without completely dousing the fire. Ponnagyun market serves more than 100 nearby villages.
MANDALAY—A series of explosions at Denko fuel station in Mogok Township injured two staff members and destroyed two gas pumps on Nov. 25. “Two mines exploded and two artillery shells dropped at the station. They had been told to leave the station,” said a Mogok resident.
The Denko fuel station was on fire for over an hour but firefighters were able to extinguish the flames. Soldiers arrived and inspected the scene. No group has claimed responsibility for the explosions.
SHAN—At least 120 trucks caught fire after an explosion at a bus terminal in Muse, located near the China-Burma border, on Nov. 23. Around 300 trucks were parked at the terminal – an important hub for trade between Burma and China.
Muse residents blamed the military. The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) backed up this claim. Regime media reported that the MNDAA, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the People’s Defense Force (PDF) carried out a drone attack.
Chinese authorities at the China-Burma border near Laukkai, located in the Kokang Self-Administered Zone of northern Shan State, stopped IDPs from trying to seek refuge in China on Nov. 25. “They forced people to leave the fence with tear bombs and batons,” said a Laukkai resident.
Electricity and telecommunications services have been cut off in Laukkai. A 1.3 kg bag of rice now costs one million kyat ($291 USD), according to trapped residents unable to leave due to road closures. Some Laukkai residents have snuck across the border into China since fighting began Oct. 27.
Read more here: Operation 1027: One month of Brotherhood Alliance offensive.
