Domestic News Updates – December 18, 2024 Evening
๐๐ 1. Monywa Police Station Accused of Detaining Inmates in Inhumane Conditions: PPNM Statement
December 18
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (PPNM) has reported that detainees held at Monywa Township Police Station in Sagaing Region are being unlawfully detained under inhumane conditions. According to PPNM, the police have failed to provide adequate living space or proper nutrition, essential for maintaining the detainees' health and well-being.
PPNM further disclosed that, amidst these challenges, some police officers’ family members are exploiting the situation for personal gain. These findings were confirmed following an investigation by PPNM.
It is alleged that the chief and clerks of the Monywa Township Police Station are primarily targeting political detainees, subjecting them to abuse, verbal harassment, and seizing money and other items sent by their families for personal use.
The detention area is reportedly around 30 feet by 40 feet and currently holds approximately 200 inmates, including those detained under political charges.
Some local residents have expressed concern that overcrowding the detainees in such a small space might be a deliberate tactic to use them as human shields in the event of an attack on the station.
In light of this, PPNM has called on the public, revolutionary groups, strike committees, and human rights organizations to closely monitor prison conditions and prison authorities. PPNM also urges effective intervention, practical assistance, and the imposition of social sanctions against those responsible.
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๐๐ 2. WFP-Branded Food Bags Found in Former Border Guard Facility in Northern Rakhine State
December 18
The World Food Programme (WFP) Myanmar has revealed that food bags bearing the WFP logo were discovered in a building formerly used by border guard forces in northern Rakhine State.
According to WFP's statement, reports indicate that these bags were found in a facility once utilized by border guards in northern Rakhine. However, due to difficulties in accessing the area, WFP has not yet been able to verify the details of the incident.
In June 2024, the WFP storage facility in Maungdaw Township, northern Rakhine State, was looted and burned. The organization condemned the misuse of humanitarian aid, which is intended for vulnerable communities, stating that such actions are unacceptable.
In 2024, WFP provided food assistance, nutrition programs, and resilience-building initiatives to approximately 1.7 million people across Myanmar.
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๐๐ 3. Kachin University Announces Enrollment for Second-Year to Master's Full-Time Programs
December 18
The Kachin University of Arts and Sciences has announced that it is now accepting applications for full-time programs from the second-year undergraduate level to the Master’s level for the 2025 academic year.
The university informed that students wishing to enroll in these programs can register until December 31.
For further details, interested parties are encouraged to contact Kachin University of Arts and Sciences directly.
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๐๐ 4. Official Opening of the Indigenous Peoples' Reserve in Taungoo District, Covering Over One Million Acres
December 18
The Karen National Union (KNU) announced that it had held a three-day event from December 10 to 12 to officially inaugurate the Indigenous Peoples' Reserve in Taungoo District, an area under KNU's Kawthoolei territory. The event also included the formal adoption of a constitution for the reserve. According to the KNU, this reserve spans over one million acres (equivalent to 5,750 square kilometers), designed to protect the natural ecosystem and the traditional cultures of indigenous Karen ethnic groups.
The reserve, named Tho Thie Taw Oo Indigenous Peoples' Reserve, is home to Karen sub-groups such as the Kayaw, Geba, Monnepwa, Paku, Bwรฉ, Mobwa, and other indigenous peoples. These groups aim to safeguard their natural habitats and preserve their cultural heritage.
The official opening ceremony was held in Kawmu Tee Shee and Monnepwa territories within Htantabin Township, Taungoo District, under Brigade 2 of the KNU's administrative region. The KNU Central Committee's Joint Secretary 1, Padoh Saw Thaw Thie Bwรฉ, attended the event, which also included speeches from committee representatives and indigenous leaders.
Over 1,000 participants, including indigenous leaders, local officials, and representatives from organizations like the Karen Environmental and Social Action Network (KESAN), attended the event. Discussions and presentations were held on the goals and expectations of the reserve's management.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the reserve, 99 representatives were selected through a voting system. This group includes 36 representatives of indigenous groups, 12 representatives of ethnic minorities, 14 representatives from Karen social organizations, and 37 representatives from the KNU. Of these, 11 individuals will be further selected during a general assembly to serve in the reserve's executive management committee.
The Tho Thie Taw Oo Indigenous Peoples' Reserve aims to:
- Revive and protect the traditions and cultural heritage of indigenous peoples in a global context.
- Strengthen governance and management systems for ancestral lands and natural resources.
- Preserve biodiversity and cultural diversity to ensure ecological functionality and benefits for current and future generations.
- Enable indigenous groups to independently decide on sustainable development plans.
This initiative, the KNU emphasized, seeks to align conservation efforts with the aspirations and autonomy of the indigenous communities.
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๐๐ 5. TLEC Hosts School Festival and English Speaking Competition in Namhsan Township
December 18
In Namhsan Township, under Brigade 2's territory in Ta'ang State, the Ta'ang Land Education Committee (TLEC) organized a school festival and English-speaking competition in Aar Yarm Village. According to the Public Relations and Information Department of the PSLF/TNLA, the events took place on December 15 and 16.
The school festival was held on December 15 at the Basic Education High School in Aar Yarm Village, involving teachers and students. On December 16, the English-speaking competition was held, with nearly 100 students participating. Outstanding students were awarded prizes based on their performance.
The competition aimed to improve students' English-speaking abilities and their proficiency in English language subjects. Over 300 people, including local leaders, parents, teachers, and students, attended the events.
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๐๐ 6. Thai Embassy in Yangon Warns Against Scams Using Old Phone Numbers and Impersonation
December 18
The Thai Embassy in Yangon issued a warning on December 18 regarding scams involving old phone numbers and individuals impersonating embassy staff to demand visa fees. The embassy confirmed that fraudsters had been using outdated phone numbers, including Viber and hotline numbers, to pose as Thai Embassy staff.
The announcement clarified that the phone number +959767470765 is no longer in use by the embassy and that the Viber number +959759928611 is not affiliated with the Thai Embassy. The embassy emphasized that visa fees can only be paid at the visa counter inside the Thai Embassy.
The Royal Thai Embassy urged people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious calls or messages related to visa fee demands.
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๐๐ 7. Click 2donate Transfers Over 2 Million Kyats to Resistance Forces via the Ministry of Defense
December 18
Click 2donate announced on December 18 that it had successfully transferred over 2 million kyats to support resistance forces through the Ministry of Defense. According to the announcement, “MOD facilitated the distribution of 1.9 million kyats to five groups, with each receiving 500,000 kyats or slightly less. Funds collected in October were distributed in November, completing a total of over 2.4 million kyats in disbursements.”
The organization added that it would continue providing updates on the records of recipients. Click 2donate remains active in delivering financial support to resistance groups as part of its mission to aid the revolution.
The news above was provided by Radio NUG reporters Min Thihan and Ko Khant.
#SpringRevolution
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