Domestic News Updates – February 03, 2025 Morning
๐๐ 1. Wetland Areas in Myanmar Face Severe Threats
February 2 | Radio NUG
On February 2, marking World Wetlands Day, the National Unity Government's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation issued a statement highlighting that Myanmar’s wetland regions are facing severe threats from multiple factors:
- Expansion of agricultural lands and fish/shrimp farms
- Deforestation and degradation of mangrove forests
- Pollution from industrial activities
- Climate change impacts
- Development projects lacking proper infrastructure planning
The ministry stressed that the military coup on February 1, 2021, had plunged the entire country into instability, creating significant challenges for wetland conservation and restoration efforts. Despite these setbacks, they emphasized the need for collective and determined action to protect these crucial ecosystems for future generations.
Wetlands provide vital services essential for human health and environmental sustainability, including:
- Biodiversity preservation
- Water resource management and climate resilience
- Carbon absorption
- Livelihood support and food security
- Cultural and recreational value
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๐๐ 2. Community Health Worker Training Successfully Completed in Nyaunglebin District
February 2 | Radio NUG
The Karen Department of Health and Welfare (K.D.H.W), in collaboration with KNU (Karen National Union) administrative units from Nyaunglebin District's Kler Lwee Htoo Township, Muu Township, Saw Htee Township, and Ler Doh Township, successfully conducted the 14th round of the six-month Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Program. The program aims to strengthen healthcare services at the community level.
According to a KNU central report, 110 participants attended the training, including representatives from the district and township administrations and defense personnel from the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) Brigades 7, 8, and 9, as well as Brigade 3 of the Karen National Defense Organization (KNDO).
Due to current security concerns, the training was conducted in two separate locations. Graduation ceremonies were held on January 21 and January 30, 2025, respectively. District, township, and military officials delivered speeches and motivational remarks. Outstanding trainees were recognized and awarded during the ceremonies.
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๐๐ 3. Thai Authorities Rescue 31-Year-Old Hong Kong Woman from Human Trafficking Ring in Myanmar
February 2 | Radio NUG
Thai Royal Army and Royal Thai Police successfully rescued a 31-year-old Hong Kong woman from a human trafficking ring (Kyarpyaint) operating near the Thai-Myanmar border in Tak Province on February 2, as reported by The Nation.
According to preliminary alerts from the Thai Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), 12 Hong Kong nationals had been forcibly employed by illegal operations, including human trafficking groups and online gambling websites based in Myanmar.
With support from the Thai Embassy in Yangon and cooperation from the DKBA (Democratic Karen Benevolent Army), Thai authorities successfully escorted the Hong Kong woman back to Thailand.
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๐๐ 4. Arbitrary Arrest of 237 Youths in Seven Townships of Mandalay Under Military Service Law
February 2
Radio NUG
According to reports from ground media sources, a list has been compiled indicating that 237 youths were unjustly arrested across seven townships in Mandalay during the month of January 2025 due to the enforcement of the military service law. The Mandalay Strike Force disclosed that the number of arrests on the ground could potentially be even higher.
The breakdown of these arbitrary arrests by township is as follows:
- Aungmyaythazan: 32
- Chanayethazan: 27
- Maha Aungmyay: 46
- Chanmyathazi: 30
- Pyigyidagun: 35
- Patheingyi: 34
- Amarapura: 33
In total, at least 237 youths were unlawfully detained.
The oppressive military forces carried out these arrests indiscriminately, at both day and night, by forcibly entering homes under the pretense of checking guest lists, conducting security inspections on roads and seizing phones without exception, and targeting ordinary working-class youths on their way to and from work.
In light of these developments, the Mandalay Strike Force issued several advisories to youths nationwide:
- Avoid unnecessary movement: Refrain from venturing outside your home without essential reasons and avoid attending celebrations or gatherings.
- Stay vigilant: Closely monitor the activities and movements of the SAC regime within your vicinity to prevent unjust arrests and conscriptions.
- Prepare for potential threats: In situations where you face unavoidable threats such as family intimidation or forced recruitment, make necessary preparations and report cases of arbitrary arrests to resistance organizations.
- Secure your data: When traveling outside, especially on routes prone to inspections, delete sensitive information, including VPNs. If subjected to nighttime home inspections, ensure data deletion as a precaution.
The Mandalay Strike Force strongly urged the youth community to heed these warnings seriously.
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๐๐ 5. Nearly 1,000 Chin Nationals Killed Due to SAC's Reign of Terror During Four Years of Military Rule
February 2
Radio NUG
The Chin National Organization (ICA) released a report on February 1, stating that 965 Chin nationals were killed during clashes following the military coup in Myanmar.
After the military seized power, peaceful protests were met with brutal crackdowns. As a result, Chin youths formed resistance forces across different regions and launched attacks on SAC forces. According to the report, 491 civilians and 474 resistance fighters lost their lives during these confrontations.
The report further revealed that aerial bombardments occurred 241 times, with 1,061 bombs dropped, resulting in 249 deaths and injuries to over 424 individuals.
Additionally, the SAC forces planted landmines along their offensive routes and failed to remove them upon retreat. As a result, 77 individuals were killed and over 105 injured by landmine explosions while traveling to agricultural fields.
Apart from human casualties, airstrikes destroyed over 1,280 homes, 38 government buildings, and 39 religious sites. SAC forces, under suspicion of supporting resistance groups, also burned and shelled homes in villages and towns, resulting in the destruction of over 3,479 residential properties.
Due to the ongoing conflict, many residents fled to neighboring villages, towns, and even into India. According to the 2014 census, Chin State had a population of nearly 500,000. The report indicates that around 130,000 people remain displaced within the state, while over 65,000 have sought refuge in India.
Despite the Chin resistance forces securing control of 15 towns, including Rihkawdar, Rezua, Webula, Naring, Suhkwah, Paletwa, Mindat, and Kanpetlet, challenges persist due to the SAC's aerial assaults, landmine threats, and lack of essential services such as education and healthcare. Many displaced residents are unable to return home.
The report emphasized that the SAC's actions violated the Geneva Conventions and international human rights declarations. The Chin National Organization called for effective international assistance and support from Chin communities and the people of Myanmar to halt the atrocities and help restore livelihoods for Chin nationals.
This report was prepared by Radio NUG correspondents Min Sitt Thway and Khur Shel.
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