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133 Days!
863 Deaths!
1937 Warranted and 6046 Detained!
200,000 Displaced!
Within 133 days after the coup led by Military Leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the death toll had reached 863 due to the violence crackdown of military troops and policemen in Myanmar. Almost 2000 people had been warranted, 6046 people were arbitrarily arrested and among them, 4880 had still been detained.
In Myanmar, since before the coup, there had already been tons of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to the fighting between the ethnic armed organizations and Myanmar Army. But now after the coup, Myanmar Army has been additionally fighting with the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) which emerged in every ward, village, town, region or state with the common goal of eradicating the Military dictator. On the other hand, the number of displaced persons has reached over 200,000 as the negative consequences of fighting.
Myanmar Peace Monitor will present about “the displaced ethnic people” in this weekly news review.
Statistical Record
In Myanmar, more than 200,000 people from two regions and five states have been fleeing due to the battles between Myanmar Army and the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) or Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) with the aim to abolish the military dictatorship.
According to the daily news record, there are over 100,000 displaced people in Karenni State, 14,000 in Kachin State, over 10,000 in MoeByae township of the Southern Shan State, over 2,000 in Hsipaw and Namatu townships of the Northern Shan State, almost 60,000 in Kayin State, over 15,000 in Chin State, over 15,000 in Sagaing Region and over 10,000 in Magway Region, respectively.
The reason why the number of displaced persons has dramatically increased by hundreds of thousands during the short period is due to violent crackdown and unethical crackdown of Military Council and its troops.
The civilians who protested against the coup and military dictatorship had faced the Military Council’s violent crackdown, harsh killings or arbitrary arrests, and thus determined to resist just with their own traditional hand-made weapons. However, the military seems to assume those resisting civilians as the foreign enemies and therefore has carried out offensive operations against civilians with the help of military planes, military jets, artillery or small arms. As a result, the local people could no longer stay safe in their native places and it was inevitable that they had to run away from homes.
It was also reported that Military Council, having no mercy nor ethics, had attacked even the IDP Camps.
Truth, Reality and Life
Myanmar Military Council that has lacked of compassion for public looks like the legendary Giant that looted the child in Mahawthada Jakata. It could be imagined that the manner of Military Council was worse than that of Giant since military troops shot the IDP camps and fired the trucks carrying food, rice and medicines for displaced persons.
It can be said that the terrorist acts of the military troops have reached the peak because they deployed in churches, used the detainees as human-shields and fired the houses where the household members were fleeing – they are doing such evil things just for controlling the arbitrary power.
It could be unimaginable how difficult the lives of the persons who left their homes during this rainy season. They indeed faced the insufficiency of food, medicine or shelter and the shortage of other accessories.
In spite of not having done any evil thing, the people are fleeing amid the sound of gunshots or bombs and hiding from artillery or bullets. The crying of the public is getting louder and louder throughout the country, including whether in mainland or peripheral regions, and whether in urban or rural areas.
Some are longing for the time to go home. Some are expecting the time of ending battles. Some are hoping the time of eradicating the military dictators and his fellows. Some are even worried if there were no more lands left to displace. As the consequence of war, it is undeniable that the public is the most suffered during the war. This is the TRUTH!
Are We Hopeless?
The plan for the armed resistance against military dictator is the last resort for those who had firstly protested in a peaceful way. If they fired weapons from both sides, only the displaced persons will suffer the most.
Everyone must support and help to deliver the food, medicine, shelters and other necessities to the displaced persons. In spite of not having the detailed list, it is widely seen that the public are enormously helping each other.
Moreover, the National Unity Government (NUG) is also supporting the number-increasing displaced persons from various regions or states. However, manpower and financial support are still demanding amid the restrictions of military troops. The United Nations and the foreign governments should urgently send the practical, effective assistance rather than issuing the statements of concern.
Although it is sure that such displacing civilians are not aware of International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Laws (IHL), it is undeniable that they all need the aids for their survival. Each and every displaced person should receive the help from the internal government, the international governments, organizations and personnel. Below infographic show the current trends of IDPs situation in Myanmar.
Evaluation
The displaced persons are the first and foremost witnesses for the violation of International Human Rights Laws and International Humanitarian Laws by Military Council because such displaced persons have experienced violent attack, torture or starving, and they have seen the use of detainees as human-shields, the attack of IDP camps or the use of bombs.
Myanmar people are still expecting the help that they do not know where it comes from. And people are the time when the National Unity Government (NUG) declares war in order to fight for the culmination of military dictator and the eradication of military troops by the collaborated strength of the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs).
In Karenni State where over 100,000 displaced persons have been existing, the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) has announced to quit temporarily the offensive operation against Myanmar Army in accord with the desire of the local peace organizations and the religious leaders. However, it also added that the resistance against Military Council would be continuously carried out and urged the public to be united, well-prepared and alert for personal safety.
The above-mentioned KNDF’s statement seems to create the doorway for the displaced persons to return their homes and villages. However, at the same time, it looks like a warning the public to be alert with respect to terrorist attack and unethical performance of military troops.
It is unthinkable how much our Myanmar people across the country, including the displaced persons, will have to pay for the ultimate goal of the Spring Revolution such as the culmination of military dictator, the building the Federal Democracy, autonomy, self-determination and equality.
Part II
What was happening during this week?
Chin State
During the second week of June in Chin State, the fighting took place between Mindat, Hakha and Htantlang between military troops and Chinland Defense Force (CDF). Twenty-seven military personnel, including one Captain, and one CDF member reportedly died during fighting.
In Phayazakhan village in Mindat township military troops destroyed the houses and shot the locals who required to be sent to hospital. Over 600 locals are displacing due to the fighting in Khwaharein valley in Htantlang township. The displaced persons are relocating again because of the escalating battles. It is reported that there might be the shortage of basic provisions in the city of Mindat.
Rakhine State
There have been over 100,000 IDPs in Rakhine State, where military operations have ceased and stabilized and they dare not return their villages due to the deployment of military troops and the landmines’ danger. DMG, the local ethnic-based media, reported that though Aungzeya villagers in Buthidaung township are willing to return the village, they dare not do because military troops are deploying near their village.
Military Council blocked the passage of water vehicles along the Dahlett stream in Ann township since June 10 and as a result, tens of thousands of locals are facing the shortage of rice, food and gasoline. The number of casualties in Rakhine State is getting high due to the residue of weapons.
On the other hand, Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) that had met with Military Council during this Coup told Narinjara News Agency that it would not agree the use of the term of “Rohingya” and the discussion upon Islamic affairs made by the National Unity Government (NUG) that emerged during the Spring Revolution. Moreover, there are some objections upon the formation of Thandwe People’s Defense Force (TPDF).
Shan State
In Shan State, where lots of armed groups, including Myanmar Army and its subordinate People’s Militias and other ethnic armed organizations, are actively concentrated, the locals are facing recruitment, arrests and shooting.
During the second week of June, SSPP/SSA arrested four locals from Sanlaung village of Hsipaw township and over ten locals from Tangyan and Mine-ye townships. Five locals from Namatu township are still being detained by RCSS/SSA. Tangyan locals reported to Shan Herald Agency for News that SSPP/SSA, TNLA, MNDAA and Wan Pan People’s Militias led by Captain Moon were carrying out recruitments.
Two civilians got injured due to the explosion of mines near Man Lee village-market in Namlan township. TNLA intercepted and attacked the military troops that came back from Man Pyin village between Kutkai and Theinni townships therefore Muse-Lashio buses are stopped for an hour. In Mong Yaw, the ethnic armed groups urged the military-appointed administrators to resign and quit the relations with Military Council.
Shan Herald Agency for News stated that in Tachileik, military troops were deploying in Wan Mai Monastery, Akha Buddhist Temple and Palian Monastery where the consecutive bombings were occurred. One Police Sergeant was killed during the shooting in Tachileik District Police Office and Tachileik People’s Defense Force (TPDF) announced that this happening was not related to them.
“The ethnic armed groups urged the military-appointed administrators to resign and quit”
Kayah (Karenni) State
A youth staying inside home died due to the artillery shot by military troops in Nam Bawt Wan Ward, Loikaw. Military troops fired and destroyed the medical supplies and 80 bags of rice which were intended to donate to IDPs near Moe Byae. They raided villages in Nam Pekon and Demoso townships, tortured and portered villagers. Moreover, one villager was reportedly killed.
The battles between military troops and Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) are escalating in Kayah (Karenni) State and KNDF told their difficulty of not possessing sufficient weapons to resist the offensive attack of military troops.
There are certain problems in the delivery of food and medicine to the displaced persons and the United Nations also called for the Military Council to allow direct help for them. Moreover, during this rainy season, the displaced persons are facing health problems such as diarrhea.
The Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) declared that it would not accept the unreasonable allegation of the Military Council upon ethnic armed organizations.
Kachin State
During the second week of June, KIA intercepted and attacked the military troops near Laiza and WahShaung 13 Mile Gate in Waingmaw township.
The military food tanker in the harbor and police office in Shwegu township were attacked and KIA and Sagaing People’s Defense Force (SPDF) declared that they did not participate in this incident. The Military Council had been chasing to arrest by using household lists if anyone was suspected as the members of People’s Defense Force (PDF). Twenty-nine youths were arrested by military troops at Tanai checkpoint and brought to police office in order to charge them of having relations with unlawful associations.
Aiming to attack the KIA back, the Military Council and People’s Militias are recruiting and training some locals in Puta-O. In spite of strong objection of KIO/KIA, KNO established the Special Brigade (108) and the Kachin youths were also objecting to that establishment.
Kayin and Mon State
KNU/KNLA fought with the territory-invading Military Council in the east part of Dawna, Kawkareik township, Kayin State. KNU/KNLA Military Chief declared to abide by the terms and conditions of NCA Agreement. The ethnic armed groups in Kayin State have discussed together in Law Khee Lar. KNU Joint Secretary 2 urged to fight for the land of Kawthoolei at the ceremony of the 72nd Kawthoolei Day.
With respect to the killings of military intelligence who were pretending as civilians, the Military Council misrepresented that KNDO killed the construction workers. KNU declared that it would carry out the necessary investigation.
Mon Unity Party (MUP) and New Mon State Party (NMSP) also condemned the assassination with guns of MUP candidate. Paung People’s Defense Force urged not to learn for military’s slavery education. In the night of June 14, there was an explosion in front of the office of the Director of the Education within the compound of BEHS (1) Kyaikto. Thein Za Yat People’s Defense Force announced that they did the shooting that caused a policeman died and another injured. Likewise, in the evening around 3:45 pm of June 14, the shooting took place in front of BEMS (2) Yay in Aung Myitta Ward and one man was reported died and another got injured in his arm.
There are several comments that the reason why the Military Council is trying to rerun the dam projects along the Salween River might be to extend its controlled area and to weaken or destroy the ethnic armed organizations.
Sagaing, Magway and Mandalay
Military Council retreated its forces from Depayin township of Sagaing Region since the locals resisted the raid of the troops. Eight military personnel reportedly died during Kani fighting. in Depayin township, Kyi village administrator’s two daughters were stabbed to death. The shooting of military council in Bot village caused one villager died and the others fled.
The military troops arrested seven Christian priests in Ye-O but only four priests were released. One youth was killed by the gunshot of military troops in Yenangyang, Magway Region. It is declared that Magway People’s Defense Force and Mawlamyine People’s Defense Force will cooperate to eradicate the military dictatorship.
Thirteen people, including Zaygone Sayadaw, died during the military plane crash in Pyin Oo Lwin township. Military Council stated that former Chief Minister of Mandalay Region Dr. Zaw Myint Maung suffering from leukemia had been medically treated within prison. Mandalay Region NLD Office and Chan Mya Thar Si township’s NLD Office were bombed.
Military Council attacked Mandalay Alliance General Strike by car and arrested five youths. Moreover, it is found that the military personnel pretended as a layman (Daka), phoned Sayadaw U Zawana to visit home, and Sayadaw was beaten and arrested later. Mandalay People’s Defense Force stated to destroy the Military Council and its Main Supporting Departments.
“ Thirteen people, including Zaygone Sayadaw, died during the military plane crash in Pyin Oo Lwin township.
Yangon, Bago and Ayeyarwaddy
In Ayeyarwaddy Region, the Military Council announced to hand over the hand-made guns in Hinthada township. The military stationed place in Ngathaingchaung township was exploded. It is stated that Ayeyarwaddy Region People’s Defense Force has been formed to protect the lives and possession of the public.
In Bago Region, the railway line near Kanyutkwin was bombed and destroyed. The People’s Defense Forces in Bago Region stated that they were waiting the time when the National Unity Government would declare war.
In Yangon Region, the locals said that Islamic school fire in Dala township was by the military troops and its subordinate group called Pyusawhti. It is remarked that the Military Council is trying to transform the Spring Revolution into a religious riot. In Tamwe township, the Military Council did ‘midnight inspection’ in Thida Street of Kyaukmyaung, and arrested over (20) civilians.
Revolution Movement Pamphlets called Federal Yaungni are being distributed in Yangon.
National Unity Government
- NUG called for G7 countries to cut off the Military’s Finance and Technology sectors
- U Kyaw Moe Tun sent the letter to Security Council to respond Military Council with the effective plans or strategies
- NUG announced on June 8 that everyone could file a formal complaint to sue the Military Council
- NUG stated not to pay electricity taxes and warned Military supporters to be taken actions
- Regarding Military Council’s announcement of not recognizing the parliamentarians as having no legal status, NUG told parliamentarians not to sign the forcible admission
- Myanmar expatriates unanimously protested at the time of G7 Meeting
Military Council
- Further charged State Counsellor and other three responsible persons for Naypyidaw Municipal with corruption
- MRTV broadcasted the continuance of joint economic relations between Military Council and China
- Military Council is trying to improve its economic cooperation with Armaments-Seller of Russia
- Military Council inspected political parties if there is any connection with NUG
- Military Council ordered in secret to take action against non-signed parliamentarians in respect of the existence of connection with CRPH, NUG or PDF: Military Council will broadcast signed parliamentarians on its propaganda media
- Military Council alleged that some EAOs are giving training for bombing
- Military Council alleged that the United Nations was biased
International View
Japanese House of Representatives (Lower House) condemned the military coup in Myanmar and called for the restoration of democracy. Likewise, its House of Councilors (Upper House) unanimously supported the Lower House’s request. Australia also urged Military Council to end the violent crackdown upon the civilians.
China, Myanmar’s neighboring country, is now supporting the Military Council openly as a response to the sanctions of US over Military Council. Some ASEAN Ministers are disappointed upon the slow progress of Myanmar affairs.
The United Nations (UN) is calling for the support to the displaced persons in Kayah (Karenni) State and UNICEF also stated that it could not accept the killings of children in Myanmar.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged French President to respond decisively over Myanmar crisis. Justice For Myanmar also asked the Indian Company, which is technically supporting for Military Council, to end the assistance. EITI also called for the release of Ko Mann Zar Myay Mon, the EITI member of Sagaing Region.
Weekly Summary
For Military Council that is facing with lots of international pressures, the role of China and ASEAN might be the only doorway. People’s Defense Forces, the Anti-Military Resistance Forces, have already been established in the respective townships and Regions or States and their cooperative action is already seen. Therefore, the time when the National Unity Government (NUG) declares war might be the most difficult time for Military Council and its troops.
Urban Guerilla Strikes have still existed amid the violent crackdown and arbitrary arrest whereas the military-appointed ward administrators and informants (so called Dalans) are consecutively cleansed. Military troops erected lots of sandbags in their camps because of the frequent explosions and shootings.
Since the graduation of Military training of People’s Defense Army under the leadership of the Ministry of Defense, National Unity Government, has been widely seen on social media, the peak of the Spring Revolution will be reached within a short period.
On the other hand, it should be noted that the number of the displaced persons has escalated not only in the peripheral areas but also in mainland. It should be realized that the effective assistance for the displaced persons must be prepared.