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Military accuses NUG of hurting relations with China; Shan armed groups sign ceasefire

FROM THE DVB NEWSROOM

Military accuses NUG of hurting relations with China

Regime spokesperson Zaw Min Tun stated on Nov. 29 that the National Unity Government (NUG) has strained ties with China. “An individual claiming to be the president has made statements that could potentially damage the longstanding friendship between China and Myanmar,” he said.

Zaw Min Tun was referring to NUG Acting President Duwa Lashi La, who had accused the regime of inflaming tensions between the neighboring countries on Nov. 28. “The military regime is willing to employ any means in favor of their interests,” said Duwa Lashi La. 

The NUG urged the public to exercise caution with the military’s excessive use of propaganda to stoke ethnic tensions and spread false information. The regime allowed Buddhist monks to stage anti-China protests in Yangon on Nov. 19.

Human Rights Watch calls for cross-border assistance

The Deputy Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, Phil Robertson, told DVB that he expects the situation for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) to worsen as fighting spreads nationwide. 

“The international community needs to step up with some innovative approaches to get assistance to local communities through local partners, recognizing that there are, in fact, existing networks that can deliver aid,” said Robertson. 

He added that the military is blocking aid from reaching IDP communities and those in need. Robertson called on Thailand, India and China to stop restricting networks that provide humanitarian assistance to both IDPs and refugees along Burma’s borders. 

Former minister sentenced to ten years in prison

The Insein Prison Court in Yangon sentenced former government minister Ye Htut to ten years in prison on Nov. 29, a lawyer close to the court told DVB. He was convicted of Section 124(d), for preventing a government employee or military personnel from carrying out their duties, and Section 505(a) for incitement against the state. 

“Section 505(a) was initially filed at the police station, while Section 124(d) was added after further interrogation,” said the lawyer. Ye Htut was arrested by the military at his residence in Yangon’s Ahlone Township on Oct. 28.

He was accused of criticizing the military on social media. A retired officer also accused him of leaking information to the People’s Defense Force (PDF). Ye Htut was information minister from 2014 to 2016 under the Thein Sein administration.  

The SSPP/SSA celebrates its 52nd anniversary on Aug. 16 at its headquarters in Wan Hai, Shan State. (Credit: SSPP/SSA)

Shan armed groups sign ceasefire

The Shan State Progress Party (SSPP/SSA) and the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) released a joint statement announcing a ceasefire on Nov. 29. Both Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) have fought over territorial disputes. 

“We conducted three meetings to reach an agreement,” Sai Kham San, the RCSS spokesperson, told Shan Herald Agency for News. The meetings were held Aug. 9-10 between leaders. The ceasefire agreement was reached on Nov. 29. 

News by Region

ARAKAN—A 12-year-old child was killed and his mother was injured when they stepped on a landmine in Ann Township on Nov. 28. The Arakan Army (AA) spokesperson Khaing Thukha claimed on Sept. 29 that landmines planted by the Burma Army have killed 71 people and injured 146 others across Arakan State. 

CHIN—Three resistance fighters were killed when the Chin National Army (CNA/CNF) and Chinland Defense Force (CDF) seized control of Rezua in Matupi District on Nov. 29 following three days of fighting. Four bodies of military personnel were discovered by the CNA and CDF and 15 Burma Army soldiers surrendered during the battle.

“The [military] staged a series of airstrikes when we tried to seize the town. We do not know the exact damages and the situation of the civilians as we are still clearing the town,” said Salai Htet Ni, the CNA/CNF spokesperson. More than 4,000 people live in Rezua. 

SAGAING—The NUG announced on Nov. 28 that the PDF seized control of Shwe Pyi Aye in Homalin Township on Nov. 22. Three military outposts were also reportedly seized by the PDF in Kani Township Nov. 22-23. The NUG claimed that 20 soldiers were killed and at least 40 others were taken prisoner by the PDF during fighting in Shwe Pyi Aye and Kani. 

A source close to the PDF said that resistance forces seized control over most of Taze and captured a military camp inside the town’s football stadium as of Nov. 28. “Many residents had fled the town on Nov. 22 and the rest fled on Nov. 28,” said a Taze resident. The PDF attacked the town’s administration office and government housing on Nov. 22. 

Read our latest Q&A with Pho Than Chaung from the Communist Party of Burma. DVB English News is on X, FB, IG, Threads, TikTok & YouTube.

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