Domestic News Updates – December 17, 2024 Morning
๐๐ 1. Attendance of NUG Representative at the Annual Meeting of the Japanese Parliamentarians Association (Giren)
The NUG's Representative to Japan, U Saw Bla Thein, attended the annual meeting of the Japanese Parliamentarians Association (Giren), according to reports.
This association comprises members of parliament from various political parties supporting Myanmar's democracy. During the meeting, the NUG representative exchanged updates and discussions on Myanmar’s current situation and future plans with the association members.
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๐๐ 2. Schools Under NUG Ministry of Education Opened in Lashio, Led by FYO
During the reconstruction period of Lashio, a town previously under the control of the Northern Shan Kokang Army (MNDAA), the Free Youth Organization (FYO) has spearheaded the establishment of an Education Supporting Center (ESC) to enable school-aged children to resume their studies.
According to an FYO representative, student registration will remain open for 20 days, with plans to initially accept 30 students per grade. If there is higher demand, additional students will be accommodated. For safety reasons, the classes will be held in separate locations. The representative also stated, “We are working hard to start lessons by December 21. So far, more than 20 students have registered, and online registration is also available.”
The ESC will provide education from primary school to Grade 12. Financial support will be offered to those unable to afford tuition, while the standard fees will be 25,000 MMK for primary students, 40,000 MMK for middle school students, and 10,000 MMK per subject for high school students.
The school operates under the Ministry of Education of the National Unity Government (NUG) and will allow students to sit for official examinations. Additionally, the MNDAA has also begun offering educational programs for school-aged children in Lashio, starting with small classes on December 2.
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๐๐ 3. Arbitrary Arrest of Two Strike Committee Members by the Military Council in Shwepyithar
Two members of the Shwepyithar Strike Committee, Ko Yan Naung Kyaw Win and Ko Thet Htoo Zaw, were unjustly arrested by the military council forces on December 10, according to a statement released by the New Generation Youth Strike Committee (NGYSC).
The two were reportedly arrested on the evening of December 10, following their participation in activities commemorating International Human Rights Day. While resting at a motel in Ward 8 of Shwepyithar Township, they were apprehended under the pretext of conducting a household inspection.
The arrested activists are now being interrogated at the Shwepyithar military intelligence unit and face potential charges under arbitrary legal provisions in a military tribunal, NGYSC stated.
The Human Rights Day activities included burning copies of the 2008 Constitution and the Yangon Region Military Command flag, as well as holding signs that read “A Land of Justice and Freedom – Uphold Human Rights.” These actions aimed to raise awareness about Myanmar’s deteriorating human rights situation.
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๐๐ 4. Over 100 Youths Unjustly Arrested by the Military Council in Mandalay Within Two Weeks
From December 1 to December 15, 2024, more than 100 young people in Mandalay were arbitrarily arrested by the military council, according to a statement released by the Mandalay Strike Force on December 16.
The military junta, currently facing manpower shortages due to ongoing battlefield losses, has been aggressively enforcing its unjust conscription laws nationwide to recruit new soldiers. The Mandalay Strike Force reported that, based on ground-level information from media sources, they compiled data on the arrests of youths under the guise of conscription law enforcement across seven townships in Mandalay during this two-week period.
The reported numbers of arrests by township are as follows:
- Aungmyaythazan Township: 21
- Chanayethazan Township: 7
- Maha Aungmyay Township: 5
- Chanmyathazi Township: 5
- Pyigyitagon Township: 36
- Amarapura Township: 17
- Patheingyi Township: 34
In total, 125 youths were unjustly arrested. These arrests occurred indiscriminately, both day and night, with many carried out under the pretext of household registration inspections, often during odd hours.
As a precaution, the Mandalay Strike Force advised local youth to avoid unnecessary travel, refrain from going out at night, and steer clear of parties or celebrations to reduce the risk of being detained.
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๐๐ 5. Political Prisoners at Shwebo Prison Denied Family Visits and Exploited by Corrupt Officials
Political prisoners across Myanmar continue to face worsening oppression, with recent reports highlighting severe restrictions at Shwebo Prison. According to information verified by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), political detainees at Shwebo Prison have been denied the right to meet with family members for approximately six months. Additionally, prison officials have been engaging in corrupt practices by exploiting and restricting access to these visitations.
Similarly, in Myingyan Prison, sick inmates reportedly lack access to adequate medical treatment. Family members attempting to deliver medicines to these prisoners have also faced restrictions.
As of now, 27,888 individuals have been arrested in connection with the military coup, with 21,318 still in detention. Of these, 9,694 individuals have already been sentenced to prison terms.
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๐๐ 6. Myanmar Faces Widespread Humanitarian Crisis in 2025 if Funding Remains Insufficient, UN-OCHA Warns
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) in Myanmar issued a warning on December 16, stating that a lack of adequate funding in 2025 would leave countless lives in Myanmar without assistance.
In 2024, funding for humanitarian efforts was significantly below target, leaving 1.4 million of the 5.3 million people identified as needing assistance without any support. Even those who did receive aid often did not receive it in full.
For 2025, UN-OCHA has proposed a $1.1 billion humanitarian response plan aimed at supporting 5.5 million vulnerable individuals across Myanmar. Without sufficient funding, millions could face extreme hardships, with little to no access to basic needs or humanitarian aid.
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๐๐ 7. Spring Bank Successfully Distributes Equity Tokens During ICO Round 2
Spring Bank announced that it had successfully distributed Spring DB Tokens, the equity tokens of Spring Bank, to shareholders as part of its ICO Round 2 on December 16.
The announcement stated:
“We are delighted to share the good news that during ICO Round 2, Spring DB Tokens—equity tokens of SDB—were successfully distributed to our shareholders on December 16. Within the Spring Bank app, the tokens from the previous Seed Round ICO have been renamed Spring DB Tokens, and users can now see the combined total of their investments from both the Seed Round and Round 2.”
Additionally, the success of ICO Round 2 was attributed to strong public support and enthusiasm for the new wave of rebuilding efforts, for which Spring Bank expressed deep gratitude.
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๐๐ 8. Phone and Computer Repair Training Program (Batch 2) Launched for CDM Soldiers and Police
A second batch of phone and computer repair training programs for Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) soldiers and police officers began on December 14 in Mae Sot. These programs are part of a broader effort by the People’s Goal to support CDM personnel as they rebuild their lives with the trust of the people.
The training, designed to help participants gain new livelihood opportunities, spans two months. Upon completion, trainees will have the skills to independently repair mobile phones and computers, including:
- Replacing phone screens and batteries
- Repairing and replacing circuit boards
- Conducting hardware and software diagnostics
- Performing software installations and Windows setups
This initiative aims to empower participants with technical expertise and self-reliant job opportunities.
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๐๐ 9. TNLA Takes Custody of 60 Elephants Previously Held by PLA
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has taken custody of 60 elephants, along with their family groups, out of a total of 138 elephants previously under the care of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Thibaw Township.
The transfer involved 12 out of 21 community-owned elephant camps, which the TNLA has pledged to oversee and protect. The 60 elephants were handed over with proper documentation and records.
According to a PLA official, the handover was carried out to strengthen the alliance between the TNLA and PLA, fostering mutual respect and long-term solidarity among allied forces.
The news was provided by Radio NUG correspondents Min Thihan, Min Sit Thwe, and Kha Shelle.
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