National League for Democracy co-founder dies at 97
The National League for Democracy (NLD) party co-founder Tin Oo died on Saturday at Yangon General Hospital. He was 97. Born in Pathein, Ayeyarwady Region in 1927, Tin Oo served in the military for 33 years, reaching the rank of commander-in-chief, before helping Aung San Suu Kyi set up the NLD in 1988.
“We are saddened that such [a] leader died before the end of the revolution, before democracy was fully realized,” said Nay Phone Latt, the National Unity Government (NUG) Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson. Tin Oo spent 14 years under house arrest or in prison until his release prior to the 2010 election, which is when Burma’s transition to democracy began.
“We often heard him speak about what it means to be a good soldier. His legacy stands out distinctly from those military leaders who are now harming the country,” added Nay Phone Latt. A funeral for Tin Oo is planned for June 5.
Regime attempts to restrict VPN access
The military regime restricted access to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) on May 30. Many netizens in Burma have relied on VPNs since the regime blocked access to Facebook and other websites during the military coup on Feb. 1, 2021.
“The issue goes beyond simply blacklisting certain VPNs. It involves setting up extensive monitoring systems similar to the ‘Great Firewall’ used in other countries. This system watches and controls internet traffic, allowing only approved IP addresses to access the internet,” an IT expert told DVB on the condition of anonymity.
The regime has imposed telecommunications and internet blackouts on townships across Burma where anti-coup protests and fighting between the military and resistance forces has taken place. Freedom House called online freedom in Burma the second worst in the world after China in its 2023 Freedom on the Net report.
Bangladesh not to accept any more refugees
Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said on May 30 that no one would be allowed to enter the country from Burma under any circumstances, the Business Standard reported. He made the comments during a meeting on the Rohingya refugee situation in Cox’s Bazar.
“There is an ongoing conflict within Myanmar, with government forces clashing with the Arakan Army and several smaller groups. In this situation, no citizen or anyone else from that country will be allowed to enter,” said Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
Dhaka wants to ensure that fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Burma Army in northern Arakan State will not spill across its 271-km shared border. An estimated 45,000 Rohingya residents of Buthidaung Township fled attacks by the AA to the Naf River that separates Burma and Bangladesh on May 18.
News by Region
ARAKAN—Two civilians were killed and 11 were injured during an airstrike carried out on a market in Yoetayoke village of Ponnagyun Township on Sunday. “The military’s aircraft dropped six bombs on the market that morning,” said a Yoetayoke resident.
SHAN—Muse residents told DVB that brokers have been paid between 1-2.5 million kyat for a one-week travel pass into China, known as a green card. Residents of Muse and Namkham townships have the option to obtain a one-year permit, while those from other townships can only apply only for a one week stay.
“I think [China] doesn’t want to give out too many green cards. The other problem is that green card holders often don’t return,” said a Muse resident. Most of those applying for green cards are from Yangon, Magway, Sagaing, and Mandalay regions. The green cards are only intended for temporary visits but many use them to seek employment in China.
MANDALAY—A 70-year-old woman was killed and a child was injured by artillery in Singu Township on Sunday. “The military fired four rounds of artillery that day. Four shells dropped in two villages and caused casualties,” said a People’s Defense Force (PDF) member. A school was damaged. The PDF claimed that the military fired artillery without any warning.
TANINTHARYI—Myeik Township residents claimed that regime administrators have compiled lists with women’s names for military conscription. “Residents have been told that [women] will be recruited [soon],” said a Myeik resident. Families were told to report their household lists to the office. The regime activated its military conscription law on Feb. 10. At least 5,000 male conscripts between the ages of 18 to 35 have received military training since April.
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