Domestic News Updates – December 20, 2024 Evening
๐๐ 1. Interim Regional Public Administration Central Committee Meeting Chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Man Win Khaing Than
December 20
The 46th Meeting of the Interim Regional Public Administration Central Committee (IRPACC) of the National Unity Government (NUG) was held on December 19. The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister of the NUG and Chairperson of IRPACC, Dr. Man Win Khaing Than, who delivered the opening remarks.
During the meeting, the members of the Central Committee discussed the progress and implementation status of the decisions made during the 45th IRPACC meeting. The committee members outlined unfinished tasks and shared updates on future initiatives. Senior officials from relevant ministries provided extensive briefings on their ongoing operations and responsibilities.
The meeting was attended by the Prime Minister, union ministers, deputy union ministers, permanent secretaries, associate permanent secretaries, and officials from relevant departments.
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๐๐ 2. Union Minister Dr. Zaw Wai Soe: Necessary Medical Supplies Provided to Frontline Hospitals and Clinics to Treat Chemical Weapon Victims
December 20
During a joint press conference on "The Use of Chemical Weapons by the Junta in Karenni State," organized by the National Unity Government (NUG) and the Interim Executive Council (IEC) of Karenni State, Union Minister Dr. Zaw Wai Soe made the following statement:
“In terms of treatment, it’s not just about chemical weapons. We currently have 82 hospitals and clinics, strategically located to ensure accessibility to conflict zones. These include hospitals already established in ethnic territories, categorized into three levels—Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 hospitals. The Level 1 hospitals are the closest to conflict areas, where we have stocked necessary materials for chemical exposure treatment.
Despite funding challenges, we have ensured the supply of medical resources, including oxygen therapy. Since the onset of the revolution, we have faced the third wave of COVID-19 and established systems to distribute life-saving medical supplies to frontline hospitals and clinics. This preparedness continues today.”
The junta's Light Infantry Battalion 422 reportedly used drones to release chemical agents, specifically S-PHOS 560 gas tablets, in Karenni State's Moe Bye Township in December. As a result, some KNDF (Karenni Nationalities Defence Force) soldiers experienced symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, weakness, and exhaustion, requiring medical attention.
These chemical tablets, manufactured in Singapore and imported through WISAR Company, are typically used in agriculture to protect crops. When dispersed as vapor, the substance can damage the human heart, kidneys, lungs, and nervous system. Karenni-based Dr. Alex noted that inhaling large quantities could lead to fatal outcomes.
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๐๐ 3. Junta's Use of Chemical Weapons Violates CWC Treaty and Constitutes War Crimes: Union Minister U Aung Myo Min
December 20
During the same press conference on "The Use of Chemical Weapons by the Junta in Karenni State," Union Minister U Aung Myo Min stated:
“The military junta’s deployment of chemical weapons is not limited to a single region, such as Karenni State. Their actions are spreading nationwide, solidifying evidence of war crimes and violations of international treaties. Using chemical agents is not only a grave international crime but also a blatant violation of agreements like the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
Many countries, including over 190 signatories of the CWC, are working to ban the use of such weapons. Myanmar itself signed the treaty in 2015. The junta's use of chemical weapons in attacks is a clear violation of this treaty and represents a significant international war crime.”
On December 7 and 8, the junta's Light Infantry Battalion 422, based near Moe Bye, conducted drone strikes using bombs loaded with S-PHOS 560 chemical tablets. These attacks released clouds of smoke in affected areas, causing symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, drowsiness, and physical weakness among exposed individuals.
CDM (Civil Disobedience Movement) soldiers reported that some junta troops stationed near the impact zones were also affected by the chemical fumes, leading to health complications among their personnel. CDM soldier Weyan Tun confirmed these reports.
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๐๐ 4. Singapore's Foreign Minister Calls for Aung San Suu Kyi's Immediate Release at Bangkok's Myanmar Discussion
December 20
Singapore's Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, announced on social media on December 20 that he had called for the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi during discussions on Myanmar held in Bangkok, Thailand.
He stated,
"Nearly four years since the military coup, the situation in Myanmar remains dire. The ongoing conflicts in Myanmar have caused immense challenges. ASEAN foreign ministers gathered in Bangkok to hold open discussions regarding Myanmar. Our primary focus remains on the peace, stability, and progress of the people of Myanmar. We reaffirmed the Five-Point Consensus, which the Myanmar military authorities must respect and adhere to."
The minister also emphasized,
"Specifically, we called for an immediate cessation of violence against civilians and urged for inclusive dialogue among key stakeholders in Myanmar to achieve a peaceful and sustainable resolution. The immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi, who plays a vital role in Myanmar's national reconciliation, was also strongly advocated."
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๐๐ 5. Education Center Planned for Injured Resistance Fighters in the Bago Sagaing River Battles
December 20
An education center is being planned for resistance fighters who sustained injuries, such as loss of limbs, in the Bago Sagaing River battles, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Shwe Phon announced on social media on December 20.
He shared,
"We are envisioning the creation of a small learning center for our brave resistance fighters who were injured in the Bago Sagaing River battles. Special thanks to Ko Myint Swe and Ko Htun Htun Oo, who have donated three laptops to initiate this effort."
Currently, the Ministry of Defense is also providing recognition certificates for fallen resistance fighters and offering financial support to their surviving families while actively countering the oppressive military forces.
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๐๐ 6. Military Junta Pressures Residents of Maezali Kone to Form Security Teams Comprising Middle-Aged Civilians
December 20
Residents in Maezali Kone, a township in Ingapu, Hinthada District, Ayeyarwady Region, have reported that the military junta is pressuring local neighborhoods to form security groups consisting of civilians aged 35 and above.
This comes as the Arakan Army’s operations have extended to Ayeyarwady’s borders, including Beida Gate. On December 18, at 1:00 PM, a meeting was held by the administrative body in Maezali Kone to enforce the formation of security groups in urban neighborhoods 1, 2, 3, and 4.
The meeting, reportedly conducted at the Bo Aung Hall, instructed that 50 individuals would be required for security duties. These individuals would undergo a two-week, weaponless training course and receive a daily payment of 6,800 Kyat. The Pathein Special News Unit noted this during the announcement.
Upon completion of the training, participants would be issued light blue uniforms and tasked with duties such as verifying guest lists, escorting military council officials, and responding to emergency situations when called. It was also revealed that ID cards and numbered tags would be issued to the trainees.
Moreover, residents were informed that they must immediately report unknown individuals entering the area or visitors to their neighbors to the administrative authorities.
The junta’s enforcement of urban security teams has sparked fears among residents, as it essentially turns unarmed civilians into expendable defense forces. This forced mobilization has caused significant concern among locals.
Meanwhile, due to escalating military activity near Gwa Township in Rakhine State, certain townships in Ayeyarwady Region have been placed under a 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM curfew. Pathein, the regional capital, has also implemented an 8:00 PM curfew, with officials issuing warnings against being outdoors after that time.
These updates were reported by Radio NUG correspondents Min Thihan and Ko Khant.
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