An interview with KNPP’s Secretary (2) U Aung San Myint
Since the military coup, the Myanmar army has increased its airstrikes in conflict areas, targeting not only military positions but also civilians. This has resulted in numerous casualties and forced many people to flee their homes.
As a result, ethnic revolutionary organizations (EROs) and activists working to help internally displaced persons have asked for international support for a system that can protect the population from such aerial threats by the military council.
Despite these calls, nothing has changed to date; airstrikes in war-torn areas continue to take a heavy toll on civilians, say activists and human rights advocates. On 12 July, the Myanmar army attacked a IDP camp on the Thailand-Karenni (Kayah) border and another camp in Hpasawng Township, causing casualties and damage.
In this interview with Network Media Group, Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) Secretary (2) U Aung San Myint spoke about the situation of the junta’s airstrikes, casualties and damage, and IDPs.
Q – We’ve learned that the military council bombed an IDP camp on the border today (12 July). Can you give us an update on the situation?
A – Yes, they came and bombed the camp around 1 am. They bombed four times and destroyed the school, a clinic, a church and some civilian houses. Also, one of our members and one displaced person were killed and two other civilians were injured by the bombing.
Q – Are the IDPs still in the camp? What is their situation like?
A – Some of them have left the camp to seek safety elsewhere. At the time of the bombing, there were about 5,028 people in the camp. This is according to our data. We’ll stay outside the camp for some time. That’s it.
Q – The military council also carried out bombings in Hpasawng last night (11 July ). What is the situation there?
A – They came with three planes and bombed Thawhsu last night ( 11 July) around 12 am. A church and about nine houses were damaged. An 11-year-old boy was also killed.
Q – What is the current situation on the border? Has the situation calmed down or are the planes still flying in?
A – The regime has been flying planes every day these days. They’d drop bombs if we were unlucky. That’s what happened. But most of the attacks were on civilians. In yesterday’s air attacks, they dropped bombs directly on the school and the church. It’s quite obvious that they targeted the civilians.
Q – What else would you like the international community to do as the military council continues to attack civilians in this way?
A – As I said earlier, the international community is aware that the regime has committed blatant crimes against humanity. We have urged them time and again not to let the perpetrators go unpunished. So the international community and ASEAN must always take that into account.
Sent by NMG.