The Burmese community in Japan staged a protest and delivered an open letter to the Nippon Foundation headquarters in Tokyo on Feb. 22. They demanded Nippon Foundation chairperson, Yohei Sasakawa, stop meeting with and supporting Burma’s military coup leaders. “By encouraging the junta’s election in his recent interviews, I felt it was a way of insulting the people of Burma and that’s why I joined this protest,” said Nan Mya Kay Khaing, a professor at Kyoto Seika University.
Protesters stood in front of Nippon Foundation headquarters, shouting pro-democracy and anti-coup slogans in Japanese. They believe Sasakawa’s meetings with military officials in Naypyidaw has done nothing to bring peace to the country and will damage relations between the Nippon Foundation and the Burmese people if Sasakawa continues to show support for the junta’s planned 2023 election. Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs distanced itself from the Nippon Foundation, stating that the Japanese government is not involved in dialogue with the military in Burma.
Labor group AAC states 50 workers fired in Thailand demand rights
At least 50 migrant workers have been fired from their jobs in Nakhon Pathom province, Thailand, according to the Aid Alliance Committee (AAC), a labor advocacy group in Thailand. “There have been cases where they did not receive their regular salary, and had to work overtime even on public holidays but received no pay. Workers made demands [for more rights] and were fired as a result,” Ko Ye Min, the leader of AAC told DVB. The AAC, along with the National Unity Government (NUG) Ministry of Labor, and the Labour Protection Network (LPN), filed a joint complaint with Thai authorities. The workers are demanding compensation for being fired without prior notice and documents to allow them to find new jobs.
Ko Ye Min said that he has received numerous complaints from Burmese workers about labor violations. Burma has sent workers to Thailand under an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement signed by the regime. Many have complained that there were no jobs for them when they arrived in Thailand. Some migrant workers have had to wait for two to three months to start working.
Wirathu calls on young people to take up arms in support of regime
Nationalist monk Wirathu gave a sermon encouraging young people in Thayarwaddy Township, Bago Region, to form pro-regime militia groups, locals said. Wirathu arrived at Hpa Shwe Kyaw village on Feb. 19, escorted by military trucks and spoke at a donation ceremony for the village’s monastery. “He mainly encouraged youths to learn military techniques and form People’s militia groups in order to protect their homeland,” a Thayarwaddy town resident said. Wirathu was invited by the ultranationalist Ma Ba Tha association to attend the ceremony. After he spoke, Wirathu visited Thayarwaddy prison and donated food worth K3 million ($1,427 USD), according to locals.
News by Region
MANDALAY—Three Burma Army soldiers were killed at an administrative office in Mogok Township, a resistance group told DVB. It claimed to have attacked Kathea village’s administration office. “This morning, around 5 a.m., I heard the explosions and gunfire sound continuously,” a local said. The office was damaged during the attack.
SAGAING—The junta imposed martial law in Ayadaw, Shwebo, and Wetlet townships on Feb. 22. On Feb. 2, 37 townships, particularly in resistance strongholds, were placed under martial law.
SHAN—Two Burma Army officers were killed in an attack on the 114th Light Infantry Battalion’s (LIB) base in Naung Cho Township on Feb. 21, Pyin Oo Lwin People’s Defense Force (PDF) claimed. A PDF spokesperson said they fired artillery shells and small arms at the battalion.
TANINTHARYI—A man and his son claim a local PDF stole a vehicle, mobile phones, jewelry and K5 million ($2,378 USD) from his home in Zalut village, Launglon Township on Feb. 22. Aung Moe, 52, said PDF fighters broke into his home and took the possessions while he was away. “I don’t know exactly how much gold jewelry was taken. Our family are not military informants or Pyu Saw Htee militiamen and we shouldn’t be facing this. We would be ok with it if we did something wrong. But they did this without a proper investigation,” said Aung Moe’s son. The PDF claims Aung Moe has ties with a pro-regime militia. “Some Pyu Saw Htee members used to sit and have tea at the tea shop they own. This makes the PDF think he has deals with them,” a local said. A Launglon Township PDF spokesperson said they are investigating the incident. According to locals, 30 PDF fighters killed a local man before they raided Aung Moe’s house.
A 100-household administrator and his wife were killed in Ywathit village in Kawthoung District on Feb. 22. The Kawthoung PDF claimed to have conducted the attack. “The pair had been working as military informants for a long time. They also threatened villagers,” a member of the PDF told DVB.
YANGON—Five people, including a 3-year-old child, were killed in Hlegu Township on Feb. 22. “I heard several gunshots in a row. No one dared to go outside to see what was going on. After that, I learned the family who sells dried shrimp was attacked. Four family members and an elderly visitor were killed,” a local told DVB. “The army came after this. They questioned the locals, but nobody knew how the incident occurred except that there was gunfire,” another local said.
The Burma Army demolished street vendors’ shops along Gangaw Street in Dagon Seikkan Township on Feb. 23. This comes after an attack at an administration office. “The shops were destroyed because the shop owners didn’t say anything about the attack. We’ve been told to destroy our own shop since Feb. 22 or else they said they will shoot and kill us. Some shop owners destroyed theirs but some did not. The next morning, all shops were bulldozed,” a street vendor told DVB.
Explosives were discovered in Kyimyindaing Township on Feb. 23. “The [Burma Army] found the explosives near a trishaw terminal close by the port [near the Yangon River]. The army took those homemade bombs and detonated them on Kannar Road,” a local told DVB. Another explosive was discovered in a nearby park in the township on the same day. A man was arrested. “The army detonated the bomb and then pedestrians were investigated,” a resident said.
DVB Peace Documentary 2022 Finalist “Never Turning Back” is about the people treating injured civilians and soldiers in Karenni State. DVB English is on-demand via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Substack, SoundCloud & Podcast Apps.
The regime announced that it will resume issuing passports on Feb. 24. This comes after the closure of all passport offices for nearly two months. Starting from today, people can apply through an online booking system, and those who have difficulty using the system can request assistance from relevant police stations, the announcement said. The online booking system will only be used at Yangon’s passport office, and the branch offices in other states and regions will follow the previous in-person appointment system.
People who want to travel abroad have encountered difficulties since the regime closed all passport offices indefinitely on Jan. 2. In addition to suspending the issuing of passports within the country, Burma’s embassies across the world have halted passport renewals. Prior to the announcement of the resumption of passport services on Feb. 24, only those who would go abroad to work under Burma’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreements or go to India’s Bodh Gaya – considered to be one of the most significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites – were allowed to apply for passports. There have been reports that people who have sought passports booked a visit to Bodh Gaya first with the approval of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture and Ministry of Home Affairs before setting out for their desired destination.
“I have already bought a tour to Bodh Gaya to get a passport, but now the passport office will reopen soon. I have already spent extra money,” said a man on the condition of anonymity. As Burma’s civil war escalates and economic conditions deteriorate in the country, many Burmese have sought to move abroad to flee political persecution or work overseas since the 2021 coup.
Two senior Japanese politicians have received honours from the junta for their contributions to “the peace and prosperity of Myanmar,” regime media reported. Japan-Myanmar Association Chairperson Hideo Watanabe, and former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, received the awards. The honorary titles and medals were bestowed to commemorate Burma’s 75th anniversary of independence in 2023. Watanabe attended the award ceremony hosted by Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw. The junta leader “conferred Thiri Pyanchi title and insignia on Mr. Hideo Watanabe for his excellent performance in the development and peace and prosperity of Myanmar,” regime media reported. Min Aung Hlaing also presented “the Thray Sithu title and insignia” to Taro in absentia “for his excellent performance in the development and peace, and prosperity of Myanmar.” Watanabe accepted the award on Taro’s behalf and vowed “to further promote friendly relations between the two countries.”
Junta hands out posthumous awards to national icons
Former President Htin Kyaw from the National League for Democracy (NLD) administration was delivered posthumous “Sithu titles” for his father, Min Thu Wun, and his father-in-law, U Lwin. Htin Kyaw and his wife, Su Su Lwin, have not been seen publicly since the 2021 coup and did not attend the junta’s awards ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of Burma’s independence. It is unknown whether the former president is being detained by the junta. Regime media reported that senior junta officials delivered the awards to Htin Kyaw’s family home. The award ceremony was held in Naypyidaw on Jan. 1-2.
News by Region
BAGO—Thirty-two Rohingya were arrested at a checkpoint in Thayarwady Township on Feb. 21. “They hid by covering themselves with bamboo mats. The Burma Army discovered them at the toll gate. The driver was arrested,” a local told DVB. Forty Rohingya were recently arrested in Thanbyuzayat Township in Mon State on Feb. 19. Fifty-nine Rohingya were arrested in Sittwe’s Ann Township this month.
Three civilians were killed and a monastery was destroyed in Nyaung Lay Pin Township on Feb. 22, locals said. The Burma Army fired artillery shells after resistance forces reported to have killed 10. “There were casualties after the shelling but I don’t know who they are and where they are from. The villagers are currently on the run,” said a spokesperson at Karen Social Affairs.
KACHIN—Drug use among minors has surged since the coup, locals report. “The number of drug users who are around age 15, 16 [has increased] after the coup. However, the number of arrests for drug dealing is decreasing. We’ve found out that youths are injecting drugs on roads where there is no traffic and it makes us worry about their future,” said a Sumprabum town resident. Drug dealers reportedly bribe authorities to sell drugs unhindered. “There are three big drug dealers in our town. They bribed the officials and sold drugs without any difficulties near the police station,” said another resident.
A man was killed inside his home in Hpakant on Feb. 22, according to local sources. The motivation for the attack is unknown. “Unknown armed men even entered inside his house and shot at him,” a local told DVB. No group has claimed responsibility for the murder.
KAREN—Three civilians were injured and three buildings, including a church, were destroyed after the Burma Army fired artillery shells at Laik Tho town, Than Taung Gyi Township on Feb.21, locals said. Two children and a man were seriously injured and are receiving medical treatment at a hospital.
The Thandaung People’s Defense Force (PDF) claimed that the Burma Army burned down eight houses in Thandaung town on Feb. 21. The PDF estimated that it had killed 55 Burma Army troops and injured 40 during clashes from November 2022 to February 2023. DVB could not independently verify this claim.
SHAN—65 million drug tablets worth K2.6 billion ($1.2 million USD), along with weapons were seized at a home and cattle farm in Maisat Township, Shan State on Feb. 20, regime media reported. Two people working at a farm in Pone Tat village were arrested. According to the junta, 65 million of drug tablets, guns and ammunition were seized at the farm owner’s home in Pa Ho village. Maisat Police Station filed charges against the two employees and farm owner under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.
The PDF Battalion 1222 stated it attacked Burma Army battalions 223, 276 and 348 in Momeik Township, Shan State on Feb. 20. “We fired artillery to bait them to come out from their bases. But they didn’t come out and only fired back,” said a PDF spokesperson. PDF Battalion 1222 is under the command of the National Unity Government (NUG).
A police officer was killed in Muse city on Feb. 22, according to local sources. “The road [where the attack occurred] has been shut down. and the guesthouses have been investigated,” a local told DVB. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Chin diaspora in North America celebrated the 75th anniversary of Chin National Day. They’re committed to supporting the anti-coup revolution in Burma. DVB English is on-demand via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack, SoundCloud & Podcast Apps.
A leader of a Rohingya refugee camp was killed by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh on Feb. 16, according to the Rohingya community in Balukhali refugee camp. The man killed, Adu Rohim, was a 36-year-old community leader living in the camp, located in Ukhia near Cox’s Bazar.
“The ARSA killed him. He was shot dead on his way from a tea shop to the Camp in Charge office (CiC) inside the camp,” a man living in the Balukhali refugee camp told DVB. The motive behind the killing is unknown. The ARSA has yet to respond to the accusation. “A group of five was involved in the shooting. I have heard that they are ARSA members,” another man said. On Jan. 18, around 40 ARSA troops hiding in refugee camps near the Burma-Bangladesh “Zero Line” border buffer zone, were attacked by an allied force of the Bangladesh Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO).
Several ARSA personnel were arrested after the attack. In 2022, at least five people, including three Muslim leaders, were killed by the ARSA, according to the Bangladesh government. The Rohingya militant organization is widely believed to be responsible for the murder of Mohibullah, a Rohingya human rights leader and activist in September 2021.
Human rights groups and international organizations have raised concerns over a plan by the World Food Programme (WFP) to reduce food aid for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The WFP recently announced that it would have to reduce food rations to refugees starting next month. “We have learned that the WFP will decrease food supplies in March. The WFP has provided food aid equivalent to $12 per person. Now, it has been announced that the aid will be reduced to ten dollars,” an official from Bangladesh’s Kutupalong refugee camp told DVB on the condition of anonymity.
The United Nations (UN) warned of “catastrophic consequences” for Rohingya refugees, in a statement issued on Feb. 16. The UN states that food rations will be reduced by 17 percent starting on March 1, 2023. More reductions may be required if new funding is not secured by April 2023. The WFP is appealing for $125 million in funding to avoid ration cuts. “If these cuts are made, they will be imposed on vulnerable people who are already food insecure. Acute malnutrition levels remain high, and chronic malnutrition is pervasive among the Rohingya refugee population in Bangladesh, with more than a third of children stunted and underweight,” said UN experts.
“UN agencies should reduce their organizational expenses and instead provide for refugees. The salaries of UN staff, cars, hotels, are costing more than what they have given to refugees. The refugees have demanded additional assistance up to $20 because the current $12 food aid is insufficient. But now they [the UN] are going to provide food aid up to about $10 USD, so the refugees may face starvation,” a Rohingya refugee advocate told DVB on the condition of anonymity.
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