Rakhine politicians say December elections ‘unrepresentative’
Politicians from Arakan State told DVB that the regime’s December polls will not represent the Arakan people as Naypyidaw controls only the state capital Sittwe, the deep sea port town of Kyaukphyu, and Manaung Island, while the remaining 14 townships are under Arakan Army (AA) control. Under the constitution, voters will elect two representatives from each township to form the region or state parliament.
Khaing Thukha, the AA spokesperson, told media at a press conference on Monday that the ethnic armed group will not allow the regime’s elections to take place in territory under its control. He added that it would not be “beneficial” for Arakanese. The 2020 general elections were not held in Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Myebon and Mrauk-U townships due to conflict in Arakan.
The Union Election Commission (UEC) has stated that six political parties from Arakan have registered for the elections scheduled to begin in December, which will be held in 267 out of 330 townships nationwide. The regime has yet to announce how it will designate constituencies in Arakan, or the criteria of candidates. Fifteen AA-controlled townships, including Paletwa in southern Chinland are among the 63 under martial law.
Chinese national killed in Yangon
Residents of Latha Township in Yangon told DVB that a Chinese national was killed on Sunday at a karaoke bar, or KTV, located inside the Thanlwin Hotel on Shwedagon Pagoda Road. Pro-regime media reported that the victim’s name was Haw Chaun Myan, aged 50, adding that he was murdered by two unidentified gunmen.
“The victim was found dead with a bullet wound in his head. He also carried a gun but did not have a chance to defend himself,” a source from the regime administration in Latha told DVB on the condition of anonymity after police recovered a gun with bullets allegedly belonging to the victim.. The KTV staff are under investigation.
The regime authorities have reportedly contacted the Chinese embassy to find out whether the victim was wanted by Chinese authorities in connection to cyber scam operations. A South Korean national identified by police as Kim Young Deuk, was found dead at his office in Mayangone Township on Aug. 2. No arrests have been made by police in either case.
Charges filed against 10 trade union leaders
Sources close to the Solidarity Trade Union of Myanmar (STUM) told DVB that regime authorities have filed charges against STUM founder Myo Myo Aye, her daughter Chu Chu Thwe and eight other trade union members, under Section 5 of the Law Concerning Recidivism on Aug. 8.
A source close to STUM told DVB on the condition of anonymity that 10 STUM members, including Myo Myo Aye and her daughter Chu Chu Thwe, were sent to Aung Tha Pyay interrogation center in Yangon’s Mayangone Township following their arrests last month.
The Law Concerning Recidivism was enacted by President Thein Sein’s government in 2015. Violators face a maximum punishment of three years in prison. Myo Myo Aye was arrested at her home in Yangon’s Shwepyitha Township on July 25. Her daughter and eight other STUM members were arrested on July 21.
News by Region
MON—The People’s Defence Force (PDF) told DVB that eight regime troops were killed during an attack on the Yangon-Mawlamyine highway between Kyaikto and Bilin townships on Saturday. Bilin and Kyaikto are located 70-87 miles (112-140 km) north of the state capital Mawlamyine.
A PDF spokesperson told DVB that two regime troops were injured but that there were no PDF casualties. He added that the military convoy launched a retaliatory attack on nearby settlements, causing civilian casualties. But no further details were provided.
NAYPYIDAW—Rice and broken rice exports exceeded 840,000 tons from April to July, earning $290 million USD, according to the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF). But farmers told DVB that they are facing losses due to falling local demand and buyers paying lower than market rates.
The MRF stated that $34 million USD more was earned in the first quarter this year than in the same period last year. The countries which purchase rice from Burma reportedly include China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands and Poland.
SAGAING—Residents of Sagaing Township told DVB that regime forces have restricted the import of fuel, electronic devices, oxygen cylinders, medicines, feminine hygiene products and children’s diapers since early August. This has caused the price of commodities to rise dramatically.
A Sagaing resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity that people are unable to afford these goods and medicines are unavailable. A resistance force member in Sagaing told DVB that the military has restricted the transport of these goods into Sagaing Region since Oct. 27, 2023.
SHAN—Residents of Muse Township told DVB that the Burma flag has been flying since Aug. 8 at the old immigration office in Mongkoe, which was seized by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in 2023. Muse is located 108 miles (173 km) north of the regional capital Lashio.
A resident told DVB, quoting an MNDAA official, that there is a plan to raise both the Shan State Special Region 1 flag and the Burma flag at civilian-related locations, except at MNDAA military bases. Sources told DVB that the MNDAA is issuing border passes for investors to enter China.
(Exchange rate: $1 USD = 4,400 MMK)
