Domestic News Updates – January 05, 2025 Morning
๐๐ 1. Statement of Condolence on the Assassination of U Arindama, Secretary of the Natural Resources Management Township Committee, Kawlin Township
January 4, Radio NUG
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation under the National Unity Government (NUG) has issued a statement expressing profound grief over the death of U Arindama, Secretary of the Natural Resources Management Township Committee for Kawlin Township. The ministry emphasized that his loss represents the passing of a valuable public servant and shared its deep condolences with his bereaved family.
U Arindama was assassinated on January 2, 2025, at approximately 2:00 PM near Shwe Twin Village, located about two furlongs from the Shwe Twin-Shan Kalone Village junction in Kawlin Township, Sagaing Region.
The ministry has stated that it is working collaboratively with relevant organizations to uncover the truth behind this incident, identify the perpetrators and those who orchestrated the attack, and ensure justice is served.
The NUG's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation affirmed its commitment to standing on the side of truth while prioritizing the welfare of the nation and its regions. It further declared its resolve to uphold values such as transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. The ministry condemned this act of lawless violence against U Arindama, a dedicated public servant, and pledged to take decisive and effective action to hold those responsible accountable.
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๐๐ 2. Czech Republic Maintains Its Policy on Myanmar, Reaffirms Support for Myanmar’s Democracy Movement
January 4, Radio NUG
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic has reaffirmed its unchanged policy toward Myanmar and reiterated its ongoing support for Myanmar's democracy movement. This was stated by Igor Blazevic, a Czech citizen and prominent activist for Myanmar, on his social media platform.
Blazevic criticized a recently published article titled "Is Czech Support Weakening?" on the East Asia Forum website. He dismissed the article as being based on superficial research and misinterpretations.
Specifically, he noted that the article seemed to rely on minimal sources—primarily Google searches—and lacked a comprehensive understanding of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs' operations and its active support for Myanmar's democracy efforts. He pointed out that this lack of thorough research led to misleading conclusions.
Regarding the article's claims, Blazevic suggested that its authors may have intended to pressure Czech officials by asserting that ASEAN diplomatic events in the country included representatives of Myanmar's military junta. He clarified that such participation in multilateral ASEAN meetings is a reflection of ASEAN diplomatic dynamics rather than a shift in Czech policy.
Blazevic further emphasized that Czech foreign policy regarding Myanmar has remained consistent. Even if changes occur in ASEAN policies, they would only minimally impact the Czech Republic's stance on Myanmar. He concluded by reiterating that the Czech Republic continues to stand firmly with Myanmar's democracy movement and remains unwavering in its commitment to supporting Myanmar's democratic transition.
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๐๐ 3. Kachin State Chief Minister Dr. Khet Aung Released
January 4, Radio NUG
The military junta has reportedly released Dr. Khet Aung, the former Chief Minister of Kachin State under the National League for Democracy (NLD) government, along with approximately 600 other political prisoners nationwide. This announcement was made by junta spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun through their controlled media outlets.
Dr. Khet Aung was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2022 under multiple charges, including corruption, violations of the Natural Disaster Management Law, and Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, among others.
Out of the 9,958 political prisoners detained nationwide, nearly 600 political detainees sentenced under Section 505 have been released.
The releases were part of a broader amnesty granted to 5,864 prisoners across the country on January 4, in commemoration of Myanmar's 77th Independence Day. However, under Section 401(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, those released under this amnesty will face reinstatement of their previous sentences if they commit another offense.
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๐๐ 4. Temporary Driver’s Licenses for Motorcycles Now Issued in Lashio
January 4
Radio NUG
In Lashio, a new initiative has been launched to issue temporary driver’s licenses for motorcycles under the guidance of the Lashio Military Administration Committee. This move aims to enhance standards in vehicle management and ensure the registration and use of motor vehicles comply with official regulations, according to a statement released by the MNDAA.
Temporary offices have been set up in Lashio at Neighborhoods 3 and 8, as well as at Hopait Village, to issue temporary driver’s licenses. On the morning of January 4, additional offices were opened in Neighborhoods 1 and 12, where eligible motorcycles with temporary licenses will be allowed to operate within Special Region 1.
The temporary motorcycle driver’s licenses are valid for one year. Applicants are required to bring registration and relevant supporting documents to apply. The administration committee does not charge any fees for issuing these licenses. However, applicants are required to pay MMK 15,000 for technical services provided by external experts for verifying engine numbers and related certifications.
The initiative aims to enhance vehicle management, reduce crime, and facilitate the easy identification of stolen vehicles. The traffic police department has urged all parties to complete the registration process promptly.
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๐๐ 5. Over Four Years, Airstrikes by the Military Junta Have Killed 116 Chin Civilians and Injured 242 in Chin State
January 4
Radio NUG
Between 2021 and 2024, nearly four years, airstrikes by the military junta have resulted in the deaths of 116 Chin civilians and injuries to 242 others in Chin State, according to a report released by the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO).
During this period, airstrikes have also destroyed 412 structures, including 25 religious buildings, 22 schools, eight healthcare facilities, and seven monasteries.
The military junta has conducted over 860 airstrikes in Chin State within the past four years, targeting civilians. In 2024 alone, there were 582 airstrikes, surpassing the number in 2022 and 2023. Among the nine townships in Chin State, Mindat Township, now under the control of the Chin National Army (CNA), experienced the highest number of airstrikes.
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๐๐ 6. Myanmar Artists and Diaspora Protest Against China’s Involvement in Myanmar at Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C.
January 4
Radio NUG
Myanmar artists and members of the diaspora in the United States gathered in front of the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., to protest against China’s interference in Myanmar. The demonstration was organized to reject China’s flawed policies and to call for cooperation with the National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar.
The protest took place on January 3, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time, coinciding with Myanmar’s Independence Day on January 4. Participants demanded that China stop interfering in Myanmar’s internal affairs and highlighted several key issues, including its support for the Myanmar military junta at the United Nations Security Council, backing the junta's planned elections, selling arms to the military, deploying mercenaries in Myanmar, and pressuring ethnic armed groups for ceasefires.
The protest was attended by Myanmar nationals from various U.S. states, including Texas, Indiana, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland. Artists such as Yan Yan Chan, Lin Nyit, Lin Htet, Kyaw Thiha, and Htet Aung Shine also participated.
Despite snowfall, demonstrators chanted slogans in Burmese, Chinese, and English in front of the Chinese Embassy, accompanied by drumming as part of their peaceful protest. They voiced five main demands:
- Stop shielding the Myanmar military junta at the UN Security Council.
- Withdraw support for the junta's planned elections.
- Cease selling arms to the Myanmar military.
- Revoke agreements to deploy mercenaries in Myanmar.
- End pressuring ethnic armed groups for ceasefires.
This report was filed by Radio NUG correspondents Min Sitt Thway and Kharshel.
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