Nyein Chan May is an intersectional feminist, a pro-democracy activist, a podcaster, and the co-founder of German Solidarity with Myanmar based in Germany. She joins DVB Newsroom to discuss her work in Europe building solidarity for Myanmar’s democracy movement since the 2021 military coup.
Nyein Chan May on solidarity for Myanmar democracy in Europe
Regime prepares counteroffensive to retake town in northern Shan State
The regime in Naypyidaw is planning a counteroffensive to reclaim Nawnghkio Township, in northern Shan State, which was seized by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) on July 10, sources close to the regime told DVB.
“[It] is sending troops and provisions to Taunghkam village,” the source told DVB on the condition of anonymity. The regime has also sent Russian-made drones to Taunghkam on April 1 that can bypass Chinese-made drone jamming devices used by resistance forces, the source added.
Jamming devices can disrupt drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), by interfering with the signals coming from a remote control on-the-ground.
Taunghkam is located 20 miles (32 km) south of Nawnghkio, which is 96 miles (154 km) south of the region’s capital Lashio and 147 miles (236 km) north of the Shan State capital Taunggyi.
Regime forces recaptured an outpost at Shwe Ayar Tanepinlel viewpoint near Taunghkam on March 25, and Artillery Battalions 206 and 406 in the village from the TNLA in February, media reported.
The source confirmed that troops from the Yangon-based Light Infantry Division (LID) 11 and battalions under the Northeastern Regional Military Command (RMC) headquarters in Lashio will join the counteroffensive to reclaim Nawnghkio for the regime.
The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) seized the Northeastern RMC headquarters on Aug. 3, which led to the regime vacating Lashio.
But earlier this week the town was handed back to the regime by the MNDAA, as part of the China-brokered ceasefire agreement reached on Jan. 18.
“After the regime signed a ceasefire agreement with the [MNDAA], the TNLA became its sole target in northern Shan,” Zin Yaw, a former Burma Army soldier who defected to join the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) after the 2021 coup, told DVB.
Lashio residents told DVB that at least 2,000 regime officials and armed military personnel arrived back in the town April 18-22.
Hsipaw, Kyaukme and Nawnghkio townships are under TNLA control and are located 45-96 miles (72-154 km) southwest of Lashio.
The TNLA reported that the Myanmar Air Force carried out an airstrike on Ommati village in Nawnghkio on Tuesday and dropped “poison gas” bombs during fighting near Taunghkam on Monday.
Naypyidaw extended its ceasefire on Tuesday from April 22-30. Since its ceasefire began on April 2, the regime has carried out 264 attacks on resistance forces, according to DVB data.
The TNLA, along with the MNDAA and the Arakan Army (AA), announced its ceasefire until April 30. China is reportedly preparing to host another round of talks between the regime and the TNLA after the first meeting in February failed to reach an agreement.
DVB Radio is back on the airwaves inside Myanmar
Following the March 28 earthquake, DVB has been providing critical news coverage of the response, the death toll, the number injured, and those who are still missing. Every day, the DVB data team collects the latest information from the six hardest hit regions by the quake. On Thursday, DVB launched a daily radio program to reach everyone inside Burma, via shortwave radio broadcasts.
“Radio is a very old medium, but in times of crisis it is the most reliable and widely reached medium. We are happy that we have the chance to get back on the airwaves [in Burma to broadcast news] for earthquake victims, even if only temporarily,” said DVB Chief Editor Aye Chan Naing. If you want to support DVB, go to dvb.no/donate.
In the six weeks after Cyclone Mocha in 2023, DVB Radio broadcast into Arakan State daily via emergency shortwave radio. Since then, DVB has used its DVB News podcast to continue to provide critical news in the audio format. Find and listen to DVB Radio online or on the SW band at 31m 9430 kHz 07:30 Myanmar time (01:00 UTC) and 16m at 17500 kHz 19:30 Myanmar time (13:00 UTC).
Mandalay earthquake survivors expected to pay electric bills; China Special Envoy in Myanmar to monitor ceasefire
Mandalay earthquake survivors expected to pay electric bills
Residents of Mandalay, one of the six regions hardest hit by the March 28 earthquake, have criticized the regime for sending out electricity bills in the wake of the quake. They said those who lost their homes during the quake are still required to pay for electricity consumed prior to March 28. Mandalay is located 15 miles (24 km) east of the earthquake epicenter in Sagaing Region.
A Mandalay resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity that his bill for electricity from March was due by April 21. He added that the earthquake damaged his home, so he needs to make repairs and hopes the regime will either postpone the due date or reduce the amount owed. DVB has documented that the death toll is 4,426 bodies with 2,865 bodies recovered from Mandalay Region.
Residents are required to pay combined electricity bills for March and April by May 1. Those with damaged meter boxes must report it to the regime’s Electric Power Corporation. The regime Ministry of Electric Power has doubled electricity per unit since Sept. 1 with residents paying from 50 MMK ($0.01 USD) and commercial users paying from 250 MMK (0.05 USD) depending on amount of usage.
Naypyidaw control of Lashio raises concern in northern Shan State
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) claimed that Ommati village in Nawnghkio Township, northern Shan State, was hit by an airstrike on Tuesday. No casualties were reported but it’s concerned that the regime retaking control of Lashio Township may increase pressure on Hsipaw, Kyaukme and Nawnghkio townships, which are located 45-96 miles (72-154 km) southwest of Lashio and are under TNLA control.
“After the regime signed a ceasefire agreement with the [MNDAA], the TNLA became its sole target in northern Shan,” Zin Yaw, a former Burma Army soldier who defected to join the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) after the 2021 coup, told DVB. He added that the regime could apply pressure on the TNLA through the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the United Wa State Army (UWSA).
A source close to the TNLA told DVB that the regime wants to recapture Nawnghkio next. The TNLA accused the Burma Air Force of dropping “poison gas” bombs during fighting near Taunghkam village in Nawnghkio on Monday and claimed 10 of its fighters were injured. China is reportedly preparing to host another round of talks between the regime and the TNLA after the first meeting in February failed to reach an agreement.
China Special Envoy to Myanmar monitors ceasefire
China Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun confirmed China’s presence in Lashio at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday. “Both parties commended and thanked China for its constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in northern [Burma],” he said in response to a question from Chinese broadcaster Shenzhen TV. He added that Beijing respects Burma’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
China Special Envoy to Burma Deng Xijun is in Lashio to facilitate the handover from the MNDAA to the regime as part of a China-brokered ceasefire agreement reached on Jan. 18. The return of Lashio to Naypyidaw control and the exchange of prisoners of war between it and the MNDAA was included in the agreement, a source close to Naypyidaw told DVB. Neither side has shared details of the ceasefire agreement.
Lashio residents told DVB that about 70 military vehicles transporting an unknown number of armed regime personnel arrived on Tuesday, which was the final day of the MNDAA handover. The regime will control 12 neighbourhoods of Lashio while the MNDAA will administer the outskirts, sources told DVB. The regime extended its nationwide ceasefire on Tuesday from April 22-30.
News by Region
CHINLAND—The Chinland Defense Force (CDF) told DVB that four members of the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) were killed during fighting in Tonzang Township on Sunday. Tonzang is located 124 miles (200 km) north of the state capital Hakha.
“The military has supplied the [ZRA] with weapons, ammunition, and drones,” Salai Htet Ni, the Chin National Army (CNA) spokesperson, told DVB. The CNA supports the CDF in Tonzang. A force of 500 ZRA troops were involved in the fighting but retreated after facing casualties.
SHAN—The Danu People’s Liberation Army (DPLA) told DVB that fighting occurred with regime forces in Lawksawk Township of southern Shan State on Monday. “Both sides suffered casualties, but we don’t know the exact number,” a DPLA spokesperson told DVB. Lawksawk is located 46 miles (74 km) north of the state capital Taunggyi.
The DPLA stated that it has engaged in battle with regime forces 67 times since January. It accused the regime of using “poison gas” near Taunghkam village in Nawnghkio on Monday, after its members experienced a sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness, and vomiting. Taunghkam is located 20 miles (32 km) south of Nawnghkio.
The Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) stated on Wednesday that its headquarters in the Ka Du Gyi area of Naunghtaung village, Mawkmai Township, was attacked by artillery on Tuesday. Mawkmai is located 132 miles (212 km) south of Taunggyi.
“The military [used] artillery, including howitzers,” a PNLO spokesperson told DVB. An unknown number of homes were destroyed. The PNLO claimed that there was no fighting in the village and that a clinic was destroyed by an airstrike on Dec. 31, 2024.
Lashio returned to Naypyidaw control under Beijing mediation; Over 60,000 students to retake matriculation exams
Lashio returned to Naypyidaw control under Beijing mediation
Regime troops entered Lashio Township, northern Shan State, on Tuesday, according to Lashio residents. It was the final day the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) was scheduled to hand back control of the town to Naypyidaw as part of a China-brokered ceasefire agreement reached on Jan. 18.
“The [MNDAA] flags have been taken down in the town,” a Lashio resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity. Both MNDAA and regime personnel are now in Lashio, located 107 miles (172 km) south of the Burma-China border town of Muse and 243 miles (391 km) north of the Shan State capital Taunggyi.
A source close to the MNDAA told DVB that China’s consular office in Lashio will mediate. Chinese Special Envoy Deng Xijun is reportedly in the town to “ensure the ceasefire agreement is implemented.” Beijing reiterated that it continues to follow its policy of “non-interference” during a press conference on April 21. The regime will control Lashio town while the MNDAA will administer the outskirts, sources told DVB.
Prisoners in Kachin State allegedly armed by regime
The regime has allegedly armed inmates and set up defensive posts at Bhamo Prison in Bhamo Township in Kachin State, a family member of a prisoner told DVB. Bhamo is located 120 miles (193 km) south of the Kachin State capital Myitkyina and 58 miles (93 km) southwest of Laiza, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) headquarters.
“It’s not clear if the armed prisoners have permission to shoot,” the source told DVB on the condition of anonymity, adding that the prison authorities did not arm political prisoners. The KIA and allied resistance forces have surrounded the Military Operations Command (MOC) 21, which is located near the Bhamo Prison.
Families of inmates told DVB that they have been denied visitation over the past six months. The regime released 378 political prisoners under its amnesty on April 17. None were reportedly released from Bhamo Prison, according to the Political Prisoners Network Myanmar (PPNM). The KIA announced a 20-day ceasefire April 2-22. It launched its offensive in southern Kachin on Dec. 4.
Over 60,000 students to retake matriculation exams
More than 60,000 students in regions hardest hit by the March 28 earthquake; Mandalay, Sagaing and Naypyidaw will retake matriculation exams June 16-21, the regime Department of Myanmar Examinations announced on Tuesday. Students who want to retake the exam need to collect exam admission cards at their designated exam centers June 1-15.
“There will be 19 exam centers at schools across Mandalay,” an education official from Mandalay told DVB on the condition of anonymity. Students from Sagaing will have to retake their exams at Sagaing Education Degree College. In Naypyidaw, 10 schools will reopen for the exams.
The regime’s Ministry of Education announced that 400,000 exam papers from the 2025 matriculation exams, which were written by 62,954 students from Mandalay, Sagaing, Naypyidaw and Kachin State, were destroyed in a fire at Mandalay University caused by the earthquake on March 28.
News by Region
MANDALAY—A motorized paraglider attack killed three civilians, including a nine-year-old, and injured at least five others in Thanbo village of Taungtha Township on Monday. A People’s Defence Force (PDF) member told DVB there was no fighting with regime forces.
An airstrike was carried out Sunday on Yayhtwak village in Thabeikkyin Township. No casualties were reported but an airstrike on Saturday killed at least 24 civilians and injured 20. “Thabeikkyin has been targeted by at least 14 airstrikes this month,” the PDF told DVB. Read more.
SAGAING—The Northwestern Regional Military Command (RMC) is being reinforced after Indaw town was seized by resistance forces on April 7, the PDF told DVB. Indaw, located 209 miles (336 km) north of the region’s capital Monywa, is a town that connects Sagaing Region to Kachin State.
The PDF added that 500 militia members from Kanbalu Township and over 400 troops from the Light Infantry Division (LID) 33 in Sagaing Township were dispatched to the Northwestern RMC headquarters. Sagaing and Kanbalu are 68-105 miles (109-169 km) east and north of Monywa.
SHAN—The Danu People’s Liberation Army (DPLA) accused the regime of using “poison gas” on the battlefield near Taunghkam village in Nawnghkio Township on Monday. DPLA members experienced a sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness, and vomiting following exposure, a spokesperson told DVB.
Taunghkam is located 20 miles (32 km) south of Nawnghkio, which is 96 miles (154 km) south of the region’s capital Lashio and 147 miles (236 km) north of the state capital Taunggyi. Regime forces recaptured Artillery Battalions 206 and 406 in Taunghkam from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in February after they were seized in August.
(Exchange rate: $1 USD = 4,410 MMK)
Naypyidaw extends ceasefire to support earthquake relief, regime media reports
The regime in Naypyidaw has extended a temporary ceasefire in its conflict with resistance groups to April 30, in a move to expedite relief and rebuilding efforts following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28, regime media reported on Tuesday.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 10-member regional bloc, last week held rare high-level talks with regime leader Min Aung Hlaing and a key resistance group in an effort to pause the ongoing fighting and support humanitarian aid operations.
The 7.7 magnitude earthquake late last month, which had its epicenter near Myanmar’s Mandalay city, has killed more than 3,700 people, flattened communities and crippled infrastructure in the impoverished Southeast Asian nation.
Myanmar has been ravaged by conflict since a 2021 military coup that unseated an elected civilian government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering a massive protest movement that evolved into a nationwide civil war.
Regime media reported that Min Aung Hlaing extended an initial 20-day ceasefire, announced on April 2, “out of sympathy and understanding for the people of the country affected by the Mandalay earthquake”.
Despite the early April ceasefire announcement, the regime has continued military operations in some areas, including airstrikes, according to the U.N. and other groups.
REUTERS
