FROM THE DVB NEWSROOM

ASEAN shuns junta and invites “non-political” representative

ASEAN’s current chair Cambodia will not invite senior junta officials to an ASEAN Summit next month and will instead invite a “non-political” representative from Burma. The bridge that was built by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen toward the junta at the beginning of the year, as it took over as chair of ASEAN, has been burned by junta chief Min Aung Hlaing as he refuses to abide by ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and had five democracy activists executed last July, including former National League for Democracy (NLD) members Ko Jimmy and Phyo Zeyar Thaw. Burma civil society organizations (CSOs) demand the junta be ejected from ASEAN – not engaged – as it does not represent the people of Burma.

The National Unity Government pressures state workers to join CDM

The NUG Minister Lwin Ko Latt said that many non-Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) workers have resigned following threats to arrest them if they refused to stop working under the junta. He made the claims at an NUG meeting with its township administration groups, security forces, police and fire departments as well as other local authorities from Magway and Sagaing regions. Lwin Ko Latt said in September that the NUG would issue arrest warrants under the Counter Terrorism Act for local officials that did not resign from their posts. He said that the parallel government also formed People’s Police forces in Kalay, Tamu and Watlet townships in Sagaing Region where clashes are escalating. Moreover, he claimed that judiciaries have been formed and trials have already begun in ten townships to investigate crimes.

The junta tightens its censorship regime

The junta’s Deputy Minister for Information Ye Tint ordered censor approvals before airing movies or series on television networks inside Burma at a meeting of the Film Promotion Division on Sept. 27.  The junta wants its film censorship regime to work overtime to scrutinize all movies and shows before allowing them to be aired on television airwaves or screened in cinemas across the country. The deputy minister’s order is meant to ensure that all visual content does not offend religious values, or violate national security. Burma ranks at the bottom – 176 out of 180 countries – on the 2022 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). 

News by Region

SHAN—State media claimed that 12 men arrested by the Burma Army at a checkpoint in Kyaukme Township on Oct. 2 were allegedly heading to receive “terrorist explosive trainings.” It was reported that the 12 were on their way to liberated areas under the control of the  Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). “We do not conduct this sort of training. We did not provide any training to any other group as well,” the TNLA told Shwe Phee Myay News Agency. 

MANDALAY—Six men were killed and their bodies were discovered in Natogyi and Taung Tha, in Myingyan District on Oct. 3. Five bodies were found in Natogyi. “I learned that the victims are two tea shop owners, an oil mill owner in the town, and another two men from Thangu village. It is unknown who killed them,” a local told DVB. Another body was found in Taung Tha. No groups have yet claimed responsibility for the killings. The victims are reportedly members of the National League for Democracy (NLD), according to the Mandalay Free Press.

TANINTHARYI—A 60-year-old man, his wife and son were killed and the bodies were discovered in Pandalell village on Oct. 4, Dawei Watch reported. “It has been a long time since they have stayed in the village,” a resident told the news outlet. Two local defense forces jointly claimed responsibility for the murders, claiming that the three were members of the junta’s Pyu Saw Hti militia and conducted “terrorist activities” in the village. 

RAKHINE—The junta charged six individuals under the Unlawful Association Act. The six include village administrators and district administrators in Kyaukphyu and Buthidaung townships. They are accused of providing support for the Arakan Army (AA). “Four were arrested including a district administrator and were sent to a police station on Monday afternoon. All of them were charged under Sec. 17(1) of the Unlawful Association Act,” a source from Kyaukphyu Myoma police station told DVB. Two village administrators in Buthidaung Township charged under the Unlawful Association Act have been held at the township police station since Sept. 30.

Over 50 children under the age of five at the Wa Taung refugee camp in Kyauktaw Township are in urgent need of assistance, the camp manager told DVB. “Since around Sept. 16, the children have been experiencing symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath among others,” he added. Local health authorities reported that the displaced people need assistance that cannot be provided because of staff and medical supply shortages. Getting humanitarian access to the camps is difficult due to travel restrictions imposed by the Burma Army. 

Wa Taung refugee camp houses 872 people displaced by the conflict between Burma Army and AA. Camp officials reported that humanitarian organizations have been banned from traveling to the region since January. More than 80,000 people have been unable to return home since fighting began in Rakhine State and neighboring Chin’s Paletwa Township. Nearly 6,000 have been displaced from their homes due to recent clashes between the Burma Army and the AA.

YANGON —One person was injured in an explosion near the 26 ward administration office in Shwe Pyi Thar Township on Oct. 5. “I saw one injured person being carried in an ambulance. I don’t know if the injured is a civilian or from the administration office,” a local told DVB. Police set up checkpoints and increased patrols in the ward following the blast.

FROM THE DVB NEWSROOM

Burma CSO wins UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award

Meikswe Myanmar (Friends of Myanmar) was named the UN Refugee Agency’s (UNHCR) Nansen Refugee Award winner for the Asia region. The UNHCR stated that it recognized the organization’s “longstanding commitment to aiding and empowering communities uprooted by conflict. It also acknowledges their contributions in supporting and building the capacity of local organizations to effectively respond to the needs of displaced populations and host communities.” Meikswe Myanmar Founder Naw Bway Khu said: “Our value is the focus on fragile and forgotten communities that are often in hard-to-access areas, as well as minority groups.” The CSO was founded in 2004 and operates in states and regions across Burma including Shan, Rakhine, and Kayin States, Magway, Mandalay and Yangon Regions. 

Thai officials accused of violating non-refoulement, again

Thai officials forcefully repatriated 300 refugees from Karen State displaced by violence on Sept. 30, according to the European Karen Network. The refugees were forced to flee to the Thai side of the Burma border due to fierce fighting in Sukali Township. The European Karen Network issued a statement on Oct. 4 strongly condemning the actions of Thai authorities. “The Royal Thai government cracks down on refugees fleeing the Burmese military while at the same time cooperating with the Burmese military and while Thai companies help fund the Burmese military…,” said Nan Kyi Aye, the Chairperson of the European Karen Network. The Thai government has tightened its border security due to Burma Army attacks on communities.

Burmese arrested for impersonating Thai officials

Four undocumented Burmese nationals were caught impersonating officials of the Thai Justice Department during an inspection from Thai authorities in Ranong Province, southern Thailand, on Oct. 4, according to Thai news outlet The Siamrath. The undocumented migrant workers, who were wearing the uniforms worn by Thai justice department officials, are reported to have been arrested in a car along with a Thai driver. Those arrested are expected to be prosecuted for impersonating Thai officials as well as for violating Thai immigration law.

News by Region

AYEYARWADY—Burma Army troops have set up checkpoints in Zalun town. According to residents, a local woman was fined K8,000 ($3.81 USD) for not having a bell on her bicycle. She was returning home from the market on Oct. 2. “They even demand [money] for bicycles without bells. Even if everything is perfect, they will find reasons to demand money,” a resident told DVB. Since last year’s coup, the Burma Army has extorted money from locals in towns, villages and cities across the country under the pretext of enforcing traffic regulations.

BAGO—Security in Pyay was increased due to the expected visit by junta leader Min Aung Hlaing on Oct. 4. He is to visit the city’s landmark Shwe San Daw Pagoda to perform a Yadayar – a magic ritual practiced in Burma to prevent misfortune – as previous dictators Ne Win and Than Shwe have done before. According to Pyay residents, uniformed and plainclothes police have been deployed all over the city. Last year, the junta leader’s trip was canceled as reports of his visit were widely circulated in advance.| BURMESE 

NAYPYIDAW—The court hearing for two corruption cases against Aung San Suu Kyi was held at the prison on Oct. 4. The corruption charges stem from allegations that the ousted State Counsellor took bribes from Maung Weik, a local businessperson. A verdict is expected on Oct. 12, according to someone close to the deposed leader. Suu Kyi has pleaded not guilty on all charges leveled against her. She was recently convicted and sentenced for violating the Official Secrets Act. Her total jail sentence is currently 23 years. But she faces seven more criminal charges, according to this same source.

The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) reshuffled its leadership. Khin Yi replaced former brigadier general Than Htay as its chairperson. The announcement was made at the party’s third conference in Naypyidaw on Oct. 4. According to Myanmar Now, two recently retired Burma Army generals were appointed as the party’s first vice chairman and general secretary. It has been reported that disagreements inside the party led to the reshuffle. “There are also financial issues within the party. Everyone thought that Khin Yi would be able to control it,” a USDP member told DVB. Than Htay has faced allegations that tens of thousands of kyats of party funds were lent to some of the party’s members. “Than Htay is not strong… How many party members died while he was the chairman and what did he do? We like a person who doesn’t have issues managing finances,” another party member told DVB. The USDP became a political party in 2010 to represent the military and contest elections against the National League for Democracy (NLD).

FROM THE DVB NEWSROOM

Burmese rocker auctions guitar featuring artwork

The guitar of Burmese musician Han Htue Lwin (aka Kyar Pauk) featuring his art was auctioned for $6,500 USD. He did this to raise funds for Ley Yet Kone village, in Sagaing Region – the site of a Burma Army attack on a school that killed children. The person who purchased the guitar reportedly donated a ring of diamond and jade worth nearly $1,000 USD. In Oct. 2021, Kyar Pauk raised $27,500 USD auctioning a ukulele featuring his artwork to raise funds for the resistance.

Thai authorities arrest Burma nationals in two locations

More than 40 undocumented Burma nationals in Thailand were arrested in two locations on Oct. 2, according to Thai news outlets. A group of undocumented migrant workers – consisting of 13 men, seven women and three guides – are reported to have been arrested in Kanchanaburi Province, located in western Thailand. Twenty-one from Burma’s Chin State traveling to Malaysia were arrested in Chumphon Province, southern Thailand.

News by Region

AYEYARWADDY—The Burma Army has banned fishing in the Toe River in Maupin Township from Oct. 1 to 15 , according to locals. The ban came after reports that local defense forces planned to enter the township via water routes. The Burma Army has been conducting search operations in the river. These restrictions have caused difficulties for local fishermen. “We rely on the Toe River to fish. The ban has created many difficulties for the lives of us as fishermen,” a fisherman said.  

BAGO—Bago Region People’s Defense Force (BRPDF) stated on Oct. 1 that it launched various attacks against the Burma Army as a part of the National Unity Government (NUG) “Nan Htike Aung” operation in September. According to the statement, at least seven people were killed in the attacks, including a 100-household-administrator, his son, and four soldiers. The BRPDF is under the control of the NUG Southern Military Command. It added that it had seized weapons and ammunition during an attack on the Burma Army. 

KARENNI—Thirteen civilians were killed during clashes last month, stated the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF). Most were reported killed during Burma Army airstrikes. Ten civilians were killed and 19 were injured by artillery fire, one civilian was killed and 4 were injured from landmines, and two civilians have been murdered by Burma Army troops. One hundred homes and two churches have been destroyed in shelling, according to the KNDF. At least 100 Burma Army troops have been killed in 57 clashes, it added.  

KACHIN—Burma Army troops killed a 25-year-old man in Hpakant on Oct. 2. “We checked at the hospital and the police station…we are still trying to locate the body,” a local close to the victim’s family said. Hpakant residents said security checkpoints were set up after the killing and homes were hit by gunfire as police fired at those who refused to stop for inspection. The Burma Army has stepped up patrols and inspections in Hpakant this month.

MAGWAY—A police station was attacked by the Myaing People’s Defense Force (PDF) in Pauk Township on Oct. 2. An estimated 17 Burma army troops were killed and 53 Pyusawhti militiamen were captured, according to the Myaing PDF. The Burma Army has reportedly been giving military training to Pyusawhti militiamen at this police station. “The battle lasted almost five hours, and our side had an advantage. Although the station could not be seized, 53 [Pyusawhti] militiamen were captured. We will not kill them…,” a Myaing PDF member told DVB.