The latest update on the situation in Myanmar

Summary 10/05/21

1. Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw CRPH & National Unity Government NUG

a. The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Representative Committee (CRPH) has expanded its cabinet lists adding two Union Ministers and four Deputy Ministers_ Two Union Ministers include a best-known human right activist and co-founder of Equality Myanmar, Aung Myo Min as a Minister of Human Rights, and Nai Thuwanna as a Minister of Labour. Four Deputy Ministers include Ba Ham Htan for Ministry of Human Rights, U Kyaw Ni for Ministry of Labour, Dr. Saia Khaing Myo Tun for the Ministry of Education and Mrs Hkaung Naw for the Ministry of International Cooperation.

b. On May 2, the NUG’s Ministry of Education released a list of 28 staff dismissed for their actions against the CDM.

c. On May 3, the CRPH appointed 6 members to the NUG: 1. Aung Myo Min, a prominent LGBTQ+ activist and current director of the NGO Equality Myanmar, was appointed Union Minister for Human Rights.2. Ba Ham Htan was appointed Deputy Minister for Human Rights. 3. Nai Thuwunna was appointed Union Minister of Labour. 4. U Kyaw Nyi was appointed Deputy Minister of Labour. 5. Dr Sai Khaing Myo Tun was appointed Deputy Minister of Education. 6. Mrs Hkaung Naw was appointed Deputy Minister of International Cooperation.

d. The National Unity Government has announced on May 5 the establishment of the People Defence Force and basic principle for its ministry of Defense.

e. The National Unity Government (NUG) announced the formation of the Finance Commission on 6 May.

f. On May 8, NUG vice-president Duwa Lashi La gave a speech in which he pledged that NUG will bring justice for the fallen ones and that NUG will not consider negotiation with military council against public will.

g. On May 8, the CRPH, the NUG and their military wing People Defence Force (PDF) and all their subordinates were declared terrorist groups by the Anti-Terrorism Central Committee.

2. Regulatory actions by Junta

a. Junta-back MRTV channel announced the ban of satellite televisions in the country justifying threats of state security. The announcement said that if people access the information from the television channels which broadcast via satellite dishes, they shall face up to one-year imprisonment and a fine of 500,000 kyat (about $320) according to the television and video law. Since early April, the junta has confiscated satellite dishes across the country. The local news television outlets, DVB and Mizzima are broadcasting via satellite dishes, although their press license have been revoked by the junta on March.8.

b. On May 4, Yangon authorities announced a new curfew timing: the curfew starts at 22:00 hrs instead of 20:00 hrs; it still finishes at 04:00 hrs in the morning. This adjustment concerns the whole Yangon Region, including the townships under Martial Law.

c. The coup d'état announced on May 5 that the General Administration Department had been restructured under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The General

Administration Department was transferred from the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Office of the Union Government Ministry under the NLD’s admistraction on December 28, 2018.

d. In an announcement on MRTV at 20:00 on May 5, the SAC announced that the General Administration Department (GAD) has been transferred to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA). Historically part of the Tatmadaw-controlled MoHA, the GAD had been transferred by the NLD under the civilian Ministry of the Office of the Union Government in December 2018.

e. On May 5, the SAC amended some sections of the Penal Code, restricting the possibility for people in detention to see their lawyer or to seek legal advice.

f. 249 officers and 143 staff members of various departments of Mandalay University have been fired by the military-backed Ministry of Education, announced on May 6. 339 teachers including professors, lecturers from Yangon University have been fired by the junta issued on May 6. University of Yangon is a university that is fully involved in the CDM movement against the military dictator.

g. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had her court hearing today via online conference; her lawyers remarked that they were not allowed to meet her. The date for her next hearing has been set to 20 May.

h. Sean Turnell, former economic policy advisor to the NLD government, has been identified by State media as the “Number 1 suspect” in Tatmadaw’s allegations that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi accepted bribes for government contracts.

i. The Ministry of Planning, Finance, and Industry has been split into two separate ministries: The Ministry of Planning and Finance on one side, and the Ministry of Industry on the other side.

j. The Ministry of Planning and Finance urged citizens and businesses to pay their taxes; failure to do so will result in a 10% penalty.

k. The junta suspended 41 officers and teachers from the National College of Management in Botataung, Yangon, on May

3. Most of the students, teachers and other officers from the college are involved in CDM and the college was resumed on May 5 with only two students.

l. The junta has suspended 80 education staff, including teachers at the University of Technology and the University of Computer Science in Maubin city, Ayeyarwady region, issued on May 6.

m. The SAC has accused Phoe Thaw - a prominent MMA fighter who was injured on 5 May evening in a blast at his gym near Eutopia Tower - for illegal possession of explosive materials. Security personnel claim they found an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on the car used to transport him to North Okkalapa Hospital; they also claim they found a 9mm pistol, bullets and incendiary materials at his Team PT gym.

n. NLD Central Executive Committee Member U Win Htein, previously charged under Section 124(a) of the Penal Code, will have his court hearing on 14 May at a court near Naypyitaw Jail – where he is currently being detained.

o. 187 CDM education workers including lecturers, professors from Myitkyina University, Kachin state and more than 100 CDM education workers from Mawlamyine university, Mon state have been temporarily suspended from their duties by the junta.

p. 247 CDM employees from Salay Fertilizer Factory located in Salay, Magway region have been dismissed by the junta.

q. The SAC dismissed 4 officers from the Myanmar Embassy in Geneva for participating in the CDM strike.

r. Junta has declared on 8 May night CRPH, NUG and PDF as terrorist organizations that threaten the people's security.

s. Former President U Win Myint agreed to be defended by Daw Aung San Su Kyi’s lawyers. He had initially decided to defend himself in court; his trial will take place on 10 May.

t. 10 nurses were charged under article 505 (a) last night.

3. Reaction to and from the world

a. On May 3, the South Korean government announced they will cooperate with Thai authorities to support the establishment of refugee camps across the border.

b. The U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted after the G7, world's seven most powerful countries summit in London on May 4 that “the G7 partners are united in condemning the coup and the regime’s violence in Burma...urging the military to restore the path of democracy and all countries to reconsider economic ties to the Burmese military”.

c. Tom Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar has called for an immediate global arms embargo on the Myanmar army, on 7 May.

4. Media, writers, and artists

a. On May 3, the Penal Code had been amended, thereby limiting prisoners’ access to legal counsel. Actually, the SAC (junta) amended the Legal Aid Law, by removing several identifiable groups eligible to request legal aid, and by restricting legal aid towards people charged or sentenced.

b. On May 3, Mandalay-based news agency Voice of Burma (VOB) announced they have decided to temporarily suspend their operations. This comes after the arrest of editor-in-chief U Nay Myo Lin and reporter Ko Shine Aung on 27 April.

c. The press license of one of the Kachin state-based news outlets named “The 74 Media” was revoked by the junta, and the 74 Media announced on May 4 that it will continue to report.

d. A Japanese journalist, Yuki Kitazumi has been charged with disseminating false information under section 505(A) of the penal code which could be punishable up to three years in prison and he reportedly became the first foreign journalist to be prosecuted by the junta in the country. On March 11 a Polish journalist was detained by soldiers while covering an anti-coup protest in Taunggyi, the capital of Shan State and he was released after nearly two weeks.

e. Dawei-based The Dakkhina Insight’s reporter Naing Lin Tun has been filed under three sections, 145, 505 (a) and (c) of the Penal Code by the junta. He was arbitrarily arrested in junta’s shooting while covering a protest rally in Tanintharyi’s Dawei city on April 21.

f. Eastern Shan State based The Tachileik News Agency has announced that its press press license has been revoked by the junta, and the announcement added that since February 9, five journalists of its news agency, including two co-founders, have been indicted to arrest. A total of Eight local media outlets have been revoked their press license by the junta since the Feb.1 coup, including DVB, Mizzima, 7 Day News, Khit Thit Media and Myanmar Now on March 8, followed by Kachin State-based Myitkyina News Journal and The 74 media on April 29.

g. The court hearing of DVB’s reporter Min Nyo was held on May 5 and the next hearing is scheduled to be May 12. Min Nyo, Pyay city-based reporter, was beaten and arrested while covering a protest rally in Pyay, Bago region on March 3, and was tortured during interrogation. He was charged under Section 505 (a) of Myanmar’s Penal Code.

h. The court hearing of DVB’s reporter Aung Kyaw was held on May 4, but he was denied by the junta to hire a representative lawyer for his case. The next hearing is scheduled for May 11. Aung Kyaw, Myeik based reporter, was arbitrarily arrested in a violent night raid to his house by junta’s security forces on March 1 and was charged under Section 505 (a) of Myanmar’s Penal Code.

i. Mratt Kyaw Thu, a prominent Burmese news reporter and a one-time winner of a Kate Webb award, arrived in Frankfurt Airport (Germany) and is currently going through procedures to seek asylum.

j. Poet Zaw Tun (b) Ko Khat Thi, one of the protest leaders of PaLae town, Sagaing region, died in interrogation at noon on May 9, a day after he was arrested on the night of May 8. His wife and brother-in-law were arrested together with him, but after his death, they were released.

k. A female writer from Meikhtilar, Mandalay region, Yin Nyein (Htilar) @ secondary school teacher Yin Nyein Aye was sentenced to three years in prison under article 505A for her civil disobedience movement.

5. Resistance

a. Protests were reported in Kamayut, Kyimyindaing and Sanchaung Townships of Yangon division, Mandalay, Nyaung U, Meikhtila, Kyaukse (Mandalay Region), Hakha (Chin State), Magway, Yesagyo, Myaing, Minbu (Magway Region), Yebyu Township (Tanintharyi Region), Loikaw (Kayah State), Hpakant (Kachin State), Muse (Shan State), Kani, Myaung, Salingyi, Budalin, Khin-U (Sagaing Region) and many more throughout last week.

b. Education: In Tannintharyi Region, Dawei Township Basic Education Students' Union urges students to boycott the schools and universities which are scheduled to resume this month under the military regime.

c. Monywa University located in Monywa city, Sagaing region announced on May 4 that the forming of the interim administrative council of Monywa University by CDM teachers, Student Union representatives, its alumnis and other individuals from Monywa city to manage university administration education.

d. CDM teachers and students have protested against the education system set up by the military regime in Sagaing region’s Kany Township on May 5. More than 90

percent of students have boycotted the universities which were resumed to open on May 5 under the military dictatorship, Dagon University Students' Union officials said.

e. In Ma-ubin Township (Ayeyarwaddy Region), 41 civil servants from the National Management Degree College, together with 80 education civil servants from the Ma-ubin Technological University, and the Ma-ubin University of Computer Studies were dismissed for participating in the CDM.

f. Other civil servants: About 95 electrical staff from Kayah State in each township who are doing CDM against the military have been fired on April 28 by the military-backed Ministry Of Electricity and Energy, according to a report of Kayah state based news outlet The Kantarawaddy Times.

g. Health: The junta is pressuring the CDM health workers in Yekyi Township, Ayeyarwady region to return to work by May 10, officials said.

h. Police: In Mogaung (Kachin State), a police officer who joined the nationwide CDM strike is now wanted by the police and had to flee the city. 3 other members of Mogaung police have reportedly joined the CDM since the beginning of the movement.

i. Military: On May 4, about 80 officers including high-level positions from the Myanmar Air Force headquarters could not be reached out after leaving the army, a close source said.

j. 619 education staff who are involved in the CDM against the military regime from Mandalay’s Yadanabon University have been suspended from their duties.

6. Arrest, warrant and sentence

a. A 40-year-old woman was arrested at her home in Mogok, Mandalay region on May 4 at around 6 am. It is unknown why she was arrested, a resident close to her said.

b. Ko Ko Oo, an NLD’s Mudon township information officer and youth organizer was arrested by the junta on May 5 at around 11 pm at his home in Mudon, Mon State.

c. Eight youths, including 18-year-olds and three girls who were arbitrarily arrested and detained by the junta’s night raids on their housing on May 2, at around 11 pm, in Yangon’s Thingangyun Township could not be contacted. It is unknown where they have been being held.

d. Three members of the NLD Central Committee were arrested by the junta in front of the NLD headquarters in Bahan Township, Yangon on the evening of May 6. It is unknown where they are being held.

e. Technological student Myo Min Oo who was doing charity work at Zambu Thiri Emergency Ambulance Office was arrested by the junta’s security forces on May 6, in Dawei, Tanintharyi region.

f. Daw Myat Myat Aung, the headmistress of the Primary School from SinBalSate Village, in Thanintharyi’s Dawei Township, and her husband U Myo Aung were arrested by the junta’s about 10 soldiers in plain clothes on May 7 at around 8 pm, according to a local neighbor. The headmistress Daw Myat Myat Aung is among the teachers in the country who are involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) against the military. Teachers and students, from primary education to higher education, across the country have been boycotting the education administered by the military regime which was scheduled to operate starting this month, May.

g. A disabled man who was a regular protester from the monk-led Mandalay Sangha Union strike group was arrested near the 58th and 112th Streets in Mandalay's Chan Mya Thar Si Township on May 9 at around 2 p.m.

h. 11 people were chased and arrested by the junta’s security forces at their homes on May 8 in Mogok Township, Mandalay Region, according to locals.

i. Shwe Minn Tha Foundation(Myanmar), which works for the disabled, has confirmed that at least 13 people with disabilities have been arrested and denied since Feb.1 the military coup.

j. Total arrest is 4899.

k. 3826 are still detained.

l. 1540 were warrant out.

7. Release

a. 10 out of 12 people arrested yesterday at the NLD AIDS Centre in Yangon were released from detention on May 3 afternoon.

b. It was also learnt today that 27 former administrators of 14 wards and 13 villages had been released from detention on May 2 in Dawei (Tanintharyi Region). They had been arrested on 29 April and interrogated for alleged links to anti-SAC activities.

8. Death

a. Total death is 780.

9. Atrocities

a. U Mine Nay Win Aung, the temporary, SAC-appointed Head of Education for Namhkan Township (Northern Shan State), had been abducted by an unidentified group on 2 May. U Mine Nay Win Aung has notably not joined the nationwide CDM, and he was also known to have pressured education civil servants to return to work.

b. In Namsang (Southern Shan State), a bomb scare was reported at the government audit office, and the local immigration office. Namsang is a garrison town, home to the Eastern Central Command. High tension was reported.

c. In Taunggyi (Southern Shan State), a Mytel office was set on fire around 10:00 hrs. Observers pointed out that the building was occupied by armed men in plain clothes prior to the incident.

d. The Thai-based Shan Human Rights Group said on May 3 that villagers were used as human shields by the Myanmar army in the fighting with RCSS/SSA at Namsan Township, Southern Shan State.

e. Ten detainees from NAC, Center for People Living with HIV / AIDS have been released after they and two others were detained by the junta on May 2. And two remain in custody, one is CDM staff from the Rangoon Labor Hospital, Yangon Region and another is from the NAC Center receiving ART. More than 40 CDM staff from Rangoon Labor Hospital are taking refuge at the NCA Center which is led by Daw Phyu Phyu Thin, one of the CRPH leaders.

f. On May 4 in Yangon Region, In Hlaing Tharyar Township, an explosive device went off near Ward 27’s Secondary School No. 3. The blast took place during a school staff meeting. Security forces deployed; no casualty has been reported; the blast was

seemingly potent, with debris being projected to neighbouring compounds. In North Dagon, police checks were conducted at the intersection of Pinlon Street and Kyaung Street. Anecdotal ground reports mentioned that 5 people were arrested for riding motorbikes. The use of motorcycles has been banned in Yangon for over 20 years, but this rule was reiterated in late April, effective from 1 May. We recommend you take this regulation into account in your staff movement.

g. In Yangon, a bomb explodes in the parking lot of “Shwe Man Thu” highway express buses owned by military-back Economic Holdings Ltd,.

h. A Chinese businessman has closed down his garment factory, the Tianjin Fashion located in Shwe Lin Ban Industrial Zone, Yangon’s Hlaing Tharyar Township and he was fleeing. Due to salaries not being paid yet, the workers were marching in front of the factory, and the junta forbade them from holding public gatherings, according to a labor activist.

i. On May 6 around 22:00 hrs, a potent blast was reported in Utopia tower, an entertainment place located north of Kandawgyi Lake, Yangon. The explosion took place at a gym owned by famous Mixed Martial Arts fighter Phoe Thaw. Phoe Thaw was injured in the blast and brought to North Okkalapa Hospital. He was arrested at 03:00 hrs by the police, along with his two brothers, one of whom is Ko Kaung Si Thu, a player in the Myanmar National Football Team.

j. Bomb exploded on the campus of the Basic Education High School No. 2 in Dagon Seikkan Township, Yangon on the afternoon of May 8. Initial investigations revealed that no one was on campus at the time of the bombing and no one was injured.

k. On May 9, A self-defence group called Dictatorship Revolution People’s Army (DRPA) claimed responsibility for 6 minor blasts reported today in Yangon, in Thamine area (Mayangone Township), Hlaing No. 2 High School and Hledan Gamon Pwint (Insein Road, Hlaing Township), at a traffic police outpost near Hanthawaddy Roundabout and near a GAD office on Min Street (Sanchaung Township). The organization also claimed responsibility for explosions in Mandalay, Myingyan and Taungoo since its foundation on 28 April. It stated it is in contact with 3 EAOs to conduct operations in urban and rural areas of Myanmar.

l. In the afternoon of May 9, one person tried to escape a police arrest in Thanlyin Township; he/she fell from a building and died on the spot.

m. Around 13:00 hrs on May 9, a gold shop in Kanbe Market (Yankin Township) was robbed by 3 unidentified men with guns; the value of the goods taken is still unknown. It is a reminder to take the right security precautions and to know how to react in case of robbery. EXERA can support you for those preventive measures.

n. 2 youths who were painting slogans on the road were arrested this morning at 05:00 hrs in Mingaladon Township on May 9.

o. On May 3, around 17:00 hrs, a parcel went off in a house of Kambila village (Pyay Township, Bago Region). The blast killed 5 people: former NLD MP Ko Thet Hlaing Win, 3 policemen participating in the CDM and one civilian. To the extent of our knowledge, this is the first explosive attack against members of the opposition.

p. The junta forces raided the home of a local protest leader at Magway region, Yezakyo Township last night and set on fire his motorcycle and took away 500,000 kyat, according to locals.

q. In Pyay (Bago Region), a civilian who was arrested on 4 May for allegedly using an explosive device against an Innwa Bank branch passed away today in a detention facility.

r. Family members are not allowed to hold the funeral of Aung Myint Khaing, 33 years old, from Pyay who died by the junta during interrogation. Aung Myint Khaing, a resident of 12 New Ward, Pyay city, was arrested on the night of May 4 for suspicion in connection with the bombing at Bago city, and the next day, May 8, at 8 pm, the family was called to see his body.

s. On May 9, In Shan Su Village (Yedashe Township, Bago Region), a village administrator newly appointed by the SAC was shot at his house by 5 people around 03:30 hrs; he died at Nay Pyi Taw 100-bedded hospital around 10:00 hrs.

t. A self-defence group clashed with security forces in Tilin Township (Magway Region). Tension rose when military officials asked residents to submit “guest lists” to the nearby local ward administration office. According to media, 3 civilians and 4 soldiers were killed in the confrontation.

u. A young man was shot dead when the junta’s security forces opened fire on students and villagers protesting against the military education at Tha Kaung Village High School, Gangaw Township, Magway region on May 4.

v. Two explosions occurred at the Education Office, in Magway Region’s Yezakyo Township, on the afternoon of May 7. No damage and casualties reported.

w. A bomb exploded at the administrator's daughter's house in Pwint Phyu Township, Magway region at around 4 am on May 9, according to locals. No one was injured in the explosion.

x. In Kalay area (Sagaing Region), the Kalay Region Defence Association (KRDA) clashed with some elements of the Tatmadaw on Myaung Chaung bridge near Sel Taw village, in the vicinity of Kalay town. No toll has been announced yet.

y. In Kalay (Sagaing Region), 2 explosive devices blew off near the office of the regional Head of Education. No casualties were reported; security forces were later deployed.

z. A man was killed in Kapaungkya village, Tangse Township, Sagaing region at about 2:30 pm today. The victim is identified as 37-year-old Kyaw Myo Thet who is a source close to the military council, according to the villagers. A bomb exploded on the road in front of the court in Sagaing’s Taze Township on May 7 at 7 p.m. No one was injured, said a local resident.

aa. After a first episode of violence mid-April, tension increased again between residents and security forces in Kani Township (Sagaing Region); one army truck was burnt and 4 soldiers reportedly killed. Thousands of villagers from more than 40 villages in Sagaing’s Kani Township, have been forced to flee their homes due to attacks by the junta’s troops. Medical and other emergency assistance are needed for them. Meanwhile, fighting between the Myanmar military and recently-formed local people defense forces(PDF) is still intensifying in the neighborhoods of Kani Township, warnings have also been issued not to travel. A civilian was shot dead by the junta’s security forces while walking in the forest in Kinsanpya village, Kany Township, Sagaing region on the afternoon of May 7.

bb. The Myanmar Economic Bank branch in Sagaing Region was set on fire on the night of May 6, according to locals. The fires were extinguished in a timely manner, with no casualties and no major damage.

cc. In Tamu (Sagaing Region), the Tamu Security Group (TSC) has confirmed it has established contact with the People Defence Force (PDF) and the National Unity Government (NUG).

dd. A clash between the local People's Defence forces and the Myanmar army took place at around 10 am on May 9 in Sagaing’s Kany Township, according to residents. No casualties have been reported.

ee. A total of 156 education workers including professors and teachers from Sagaing University of Education, Sagaing city, who carried out CDM against the military dictatorship have been suspended from their duties.

ff. In Myinmu (Sagaing Region), a protest was dispersed this afternoon and 2 protesters arrested. Tension escalated when protesters demanded the release of those arrestees; security forces opened fire: 4 people were injured; one of them was then arrested.

gg. Tension remained high in Kani Township (Sagaing Region): a 30-minute clash happened between local defence forces and security forces near Aing Taung and Shwe Sar Yay villages around 10:00 hrs.

hh. Still in Sagaing Region, media reported that for 3 days already, most residents of Kar Paung Kya village (Taze township) have fled the area: after a clash between NLD and USDP supporters, security forces took control of the village and are still occupying it.

ii. In Hlaingbwe (Kayin State), an explosive device went off around 14:00 hrs in an office occupied by the local Director of Education; no casualty was reported. Security personnel deployed and conducted searches.

jj. In Myawaddy Township (Kayin State), two motorcycle-taxi drivers were killed by security forces on the road between Myawaddy and Kawkareik; their motorcycles were then confiscated.

kk. Nearly 200 members from the Myanmar army including colonel level and nine members from KNU had been killed in clashes in Kayin State since late March, said the KNU's 5th Brigade, according to a report of Karen Information Center -KIC.

ll. In Hpruso Township (Kayah State), 2 explosions were reported at the General Administration Department Office. No additional detail has been provided. Stop-and-search operations were conducted.

mm. In Hpapun Township (Kayin State), soldiers from Thee Raw Hta garrison opened fire on a boat plying the Salween River to carry aid to Karen refugees settled on the border. The boat was coming from a Thai village and belongs to a Thai national. On 23 April, the Tatmadaw had opened fire on a Thai border patrol on the Salween.

nn. In Mawlamyaing (Mon State), 2 blasts were reported near the Mawlamyaing Education Degree College around 04:00 hrs; a private security officer was injured.

oo. The bodies of 2 people who had been shot on 2 May in Launglon (Tanintharyi Region) were handed back to their families.

pp. In Pathein town (Ayeyarwaddy Region), 5 houses burnt down on Ngar Pyar Street (Ward 6) around 04:30 hrs this morning. No additional detail has been provided.

qq. In Pathein (Ayeyarwaddy Division), security forces came to the house of a suspected activist on Wat Thet Chaung Street around 9:00 Hrs to arrest him. He could not be found, and security personnel instead arrested his mother and elder brother.

rr. The Junta-back Pathein city’s development authorities sent an order to close motorcycle shops in Pathein, Ayeyarwady region on May 8.

ss. An unidentified burned woman's body was found on May 5 in Chan Aye Thar San Township, Mandalay Region, with only the skeleton remains, and police are investigating the death.

tt. Junta’s three security guards were stabbed to death by an unidentified group while they were guarding Chinese gas pipeline at Tawma Village near Kyaukse University in Kyaukse city, Mandalay region at around 5 am on May 5.

uu. A Chinese man was shot dead by the junta police’s random shooting on his way to hospital to receive Covid-19 vaccination near the Workers' Hospital, Mandalay’s Aung Myay Thar San Township on the afternoon of May 5.

vv. Tampawadi’s ward Administrator Aung Moe was stabbed to death by two young men while he was riding a motorcycle in Mandalay city at around 11 am on May 6, according to eyewitnesses.

ww. A hand grenade exploded near 89th Street, Thiri Mandalar car park where junta’s security forces are always present, in Mandalay’s Aung Myay Thar San Township, on the morning of May 6. No one was injured in the blast.

xx. In Chan Mya Tharzi Township (Mandalay Region), a local administrator appointed by the SAC to Tarmawaddi Ward was stabbed to death.

yy. In Meikhtila (Mandalay Region), some motorcycles were set on fire by unidentified perpetrators; they belonged to government employees from the education sector who had gone back to work, as per SAC directives.

zz. The Myanmar Insurance Mandalay office in Chan Aye Thar San Township, Mandalay was attacked again with a hand grenade on the morning of May 6, causing no injuries or damage. This became the second time of grenade attack after it was attacked on May 2.

aaa. The bomb attack occurred at the campus of Myanmar Institute of Information Technology (MIIT) in Mandalay around 1:30 p.m on May 7. No one was reportedly injured.

bbb. There were about 10 places in Mandalay city where homemade grenade attacks occurred on May 7. No one was injured.

ccc. An explosion appeared on the night of May 7 in Mandalay region's Madara township, according to locals. The blast damaged some motorcycles nearby and no one was injured.

ddd. Municipal officials called junta’s soldiers at the City Flower Market, in ThantSinGone village, Patheingyi Township, Mandalay region, and threatened the shop owners to pay a monthly shop tax on May 7. In the country, activists had called for a boycott of paying the government’s commercial and income tax, and other taxes such as electricity & water tax since the Feb.1 coup as part of a boycott to reduce the regime government’s revenue.

eee. A bomb exploded on May 7 at around 8 pm at Mandalay region’s Kyaukse Township General Hospital where junta’s troops have been occupying, causing injuries to some of junta’s security forces, according to locals.

fff. The protest led by students of Yadanabon University were chased and shot by junta’s armed men in plainclothes using civilian cars at Mandalay city, on the morning of May 9. No one was injured in the shooting.

ggg. On May 9, a toal 13 explosions were reported across the country. Among the most striking incidents, a blast was reported in No.2 Police station last night in Myingyan town (Mandalay Region); it injured one police family member. Between 09:00 and 10:00 hrs, four more blasts were reported in front of 2 private banks, the Road Transportation Administration office and Mytel office. About 10 military trucks were deployed in the area. No detail about damage and casualty has been released yet. On 18 April, one private bank had already been targeted by a potent blast in this same town.

hhh. In Meikhtila (Mandalay Region), a motorbike protest was dispersed with rubber bullets and live ammunitions; several people were injured and at least 3 were arrested.

iii. In Mandalay downtown, some shootings were reported when security forces in plain clothes dispersed Yadanarbon protest this morning; no one was hurt.

jjj. Two people, including the driver, were killed while their petrol tanker was shot down and destroyed at around 5 pm on May 5 at the Loi Jaw branch at the entrance to Wasaung village, Kachin State’s Waingmaw Township, locals said. It was not immediately known the details of the victims and which group fired.

kkk. Police cracked down a anti-coup rally and chased the protesters with civilian cars in Myitkyina, Kachin State on May 5 at around 8 am, arresting four women and confiscating three motorcycles.

lll. Two people, including the driver, were killed while their petrol tanker was shot down and destroyed at around 5 pm on May 5 at the Loi Jaw branch at the entrance to Wasaung village, Kachin State’s Waingmaw Township, locals said. It was not immediately known the details of the victims and which group fired.

mmm. On May 6 alone, about hundreds of Myanmar military troops were killed and wounded due to the intensity fighting with KIA in Kachin State, according to a report of local news outlet The Kachin News Group.

nnn. Junta’s security forces seized more than 10 motorcycles from Motorcycle shops in Hpakant town and neighborhoods villages in Mohnyin District, Kachin State, on May 7.

ooo. The junta seized seven new motorcycles in Putao, Kachin state on May 8, said locals.

ppp. In Kachin State, media reported that cars without license are now stopped and seized at 21 Miles toll gate (entrance of Myitkyina). We recommend you verify the status of your vehicles, not only in Kachin State, but also in other areas of tension such as Sagaing and Mandalay Regions.

10. (Ethnic) Armed Organizations

a. On May 3, details emerged about this weekend’s airstrikes in Laiza area of Kachin State; although Laiza itself was not hit Battalion 19 of KIA Brigade 5 was bombed thrice by Tatmadaw fighter jets on 1 May. Meanwhile, airstrikes between Bhamo and Laiza reportedly killed 7 civilians.

b. A monk and 2 civilians were killed and many others injured due to the fighting that broke out between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and Myanmar military on the morning of May 3, just before KIA shot down the Myanmar military’s helicopter near Moemauk Township, Kachin state.

c. The main point of tension remained Bhamo and Momauk Townships. From 03:00 onwards, regular shelling was reported in Ah Law Bum area. Around 08:00, a jet and a helicopter conducted airstrike on Kone Law village, on the Bhamo-Myitkyina highway. According to media, 3 civilians were reportedly killed and 9 others. Around 10:20 hrs, the helicopter was hit from the ground, allegedly by a rocket launcher, and crashed near Kone Law. No information has filtered about the number of crew members killed. One woman on the ground was reportedly injured in the crash. In the wake of that incident, 3 attack helicopters landed at Bhamo airport; locals are reportedly concerned by the prospect of a large airstrike campaign.

d. On May 4, KIA attacked a police station in Mansi, Kachin state, killing a township police camp chief. Fighting between KIA and Myanmar military continues intensify in Kachin state after a helicopter of Myanmar military was shot down and three members of Myanmar army were killed in Momauk Township, Kachin State.

e. In Kachin State, tension remains very high between the Tatmadaw and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). May 3 night around 20:00 hrs, the police station in Mansi Township went under attack. Police Major Hein Htet – the police chief for the whole Bhamo District – was reportedly killed by a KIA sniper; another police officer was seriously injured. Still in Kachin State, one soldier was reportedly killed by a landmine this morning near Lone Khin village (Hpakant Township).

f. In Bhamo, an explosive device went off in front of the local hospital’s emergency ward. Only limited damages were reported. On May 4, the Tatmadaw announced that 3 officers had been killed in action yesterday in Bhamo Township, most probably in the crash of their helicopter, shot down by the KIA.

g. On May 9, According to the KIA spokesperson, 12 members of the KIA, 2 members of the Arakan Army and 1 Lieutenant of the Chin National Front were killed during yesterday Tatmadaw airstrike on Salaungkone base, at the foot of Ah law Bum strategic hilltop. If true, this breakdown highlights the engagement of several EAOs outside of their usual zone of operation.

h. On May 3, media released details about yesterday’s fighting in Namtu Township (Northern Shan State). According to media, fighting broke out in Manli village between the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) and a joint force of the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). Fighting started around 08:00 hrs yesterday; several houses burnt down, prompting villagers to flee. Tension had reportedly been high for several days.

i. On May 4, In Northern Shan State, 2 clashes broke out around 15:30 hrs in Kaung Lain and Manlone villages (Kutkai Township): one pitted the Tatmadaw to the KIA; the

other to a joint force of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). Still in Northern Shan State, the TNLA issued a statement blaming the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) for the destruction of 109 houses during the recent battle for Manli village (Namtu Township). They also accused the RCSS of kidnapping 11 civilians of Ta’ang ethnicity from Namtu, Kyaukme and Hsipaw.

j. In Kamarmaung (Hpapun Township, Kayin State), Tatmadaw-aligned Border Guard Forces (BGF) resupplied Tatmadaw divisions that had been cut off by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA).

k. A villager had been killed yesterday by a landmine blast in Ponnagyun Township (Rakhine State). The landmine is possibly a legacy of the war between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA).

l. In Hakha (Chin State), the Chinland Defence Force (CDF) urged on May 2 the authorities to release 50 civilians now in detention. Yesterday evening, clashes broke out in the town; the CDF claims to have killed at least 4 security personnel near Kyaw Boke Ward, at 18:30 hrs. On May 3, the Chinland Defence Force clashed with the Tatmadaw yesterday around 23:10 hrs; according to reports, 4 security personnel were killed and 10 others injured. In a separate incident in late afternoon, 4 soldiers had already been killed.

m. Fighting broke out between the Myanmar Army and the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) at Hkamti Township, Sagaing region, causing three deaths from Myanmar Army, and one member from SNA was injured, said a local.

n. The clashes broke out between the Myanmar Army and local People's Defense Forces(PDF) in three places around Kandy Township, Sagaing's Yinmabin District, leaving four members from Myanmar army deaths with a military vehicle caught fire, and the casualties from the PDF have not been able to confirm it yet, according to locals.

o. On May 5, The Sagaing People's Defense Force was formed by the locals from Sagaing region. The People's Defense Force of Taze, in Sagaing region was formed, announced on May 7.

p. The People's Defense Force of Demoso Township in Kayah State was formed on May 6.

q. In Naypyidaw, a self-defence group was formed on May 7; it pledged allegiance to the NUG.

r. The People's Defense Force of Paung Township in Mon state was formed on May 7.

s. The People 's Defense Force of Myingyan District, west of Mandalay region was formed.

t. The People's Defense Force (PDF) represented from Pyin Oo Lwin city, Mandalay region was formed on May 7.

u. on 6 May, youths from 21 Yangon townships formed the People Defence Force (Yangon). They pledged to follow the directives of NUG.

v. Civilians representing Kyun Hla Township, Sagaing Region had formed The People's Defense Force (Kyun Hla ) on May 9.

w. Civilians representing Magway region’s Laung Shay had formed the People's Defense Force (Laung Shay) on May 9.

x. Civilians representing Sagaing region’s Yinmarpin had formed ThePeople's Defense Force (Yinmarpin) on May 9 .

y. The Arakan National Council / Arakan Army (ANC / AA) has reported that two Rakhine armed groups and KNU have jointly seized the outpost of Myanmar army at Brigade 5 area, Karen State on morning May 7. The list of casualties has not been released.

11. Recommendation

a. Please support recently formed National Unity Government formed by CRPH. International recognition of NUG is very important and essential.

b. Please establish accountability mechanisms for monitoring the junta's compliance with the Five-Point Consensus

c. Please demand release of all detainees since the coup

d. Please send letters to the junta or Myanmar embassies in your respected countries to release Wai Moe Naing as member of PEN Myanmar together with other writers, poet and famous artists including Zargana, Tu Tu Thar, Thin Thin Aung(Mizzima).

e. Please push your respective governments to establish R2P responsibility to protect for people of Myanmar

Ross Holder Asia Regional Programme Coordinator | PEN International