Domestic News Updates – February 09, 2025 Evening
📌📌 1. NUG Delegation Led by Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung Attends International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C.
February 9
The National Unity Government (NUG) announced today, February 9, that a delegation led by Union Minister of Foreign Affairs Daw Zin Mar Aung attended the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit held in Washington, D.C., United States.
The summit reportedly brought together over 1,500 representatives from more than 41 countries.
During the summit, Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung highlighted how authoritarian regimes exploit religion as a tool to sustain their power through oppression. She explained to attendees that these regimes do not genuinely believe in religion but instead manipulate religious divisions within societies to maintain control.
The minister elaborated that similar patterns of oppression are evident worldwide, with Myanmar serving as a prime example.
Addressing Myanmar's current situation, Daw Zin Mar Aung emphasized that conflicts are being leveraged by the military regime not to strengthen societal cohesion but to create deeper divisions between communities, exploiting differences in beliefs and religions. She stressed that authoritarian rulers have been using such tactics to consolidate their power.
The minister concluded by affirming that all social sectors participating in the ongoing Spring Revolution are standing united and resilient in overcoming the crises instigated by the military dictatorship.
========================
📌📌 2. First Traditional "Htamané" Festival to Be Held in Laogai Under MNDAA Control
February 9
Sources report that the first-ever traditional Myanmar Htamané Festival is scheduled to take place on February 10 in Laogai, a town controlled by the Kokang Army, officially known as the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA).
The Reconstruction Department of Laogai in Kokang Special Region 1 announced that the festival will commence at 2 p.m. on February 10. Local administrative officials, departmental staff, and residents will actively participate in organizing the event.
The organizers have extended an invitation, encouraging widespread attendance at this inaugural festival, which is considered one of Myanmar’s most prominent traditional celebrations.
Since August 2024, MNDAA has reportedly maintained control over Laogai and incorporated it as part of Special Region 1. Despite requests from the Myanmar military junta to return control of the town with China's support, MNDAA has refused. Instead, the group continues efforts to strengthen administrative mechanisms and promote local development, including hosting the recent six-day-long Spring Festival in Mongkoe.
During Operation 1027, MNDAA successfully captured and maintained control over Laogai as well as other towns such as Laukkai, Chinshwehaw, Kunlong, Panlon, Kwanlong, Theinni, Tarmoenye, Pangsai, Mongkoe, and Faungsai.
========================
📌📌 3. Relief Aid Provided to 120 Displaced Families in Western Kalay Township
February 9
On February 7, the People-to-People Group distributed essential food supplies to 120 displaced families in the western part of Kalay Township, Sagaing Region.
The aid package for each household included two sacks of rice, two tins of peas, and 25 potatoes, with each set valued at approximately 10,000 kyats based on current market prices.
The People-to-People Group noted that as the displacement crisis continues, challenges such as disrupted transportation routes, rising commodity prices, and unemployment are severely affecting displaced communities. Additionally, donor groups are facing dwindling funds, prompting the organization to urge individuals to support community-based aid systems.
The displacement crisis in Kalay has persisted for over a year, with more than 20,000 displaced individuals reported since February 1, 2024, when residents began fleeing the town.
These reports were contributed by Radio NUG correspondent Ko Khant.
#SpringRevolution
No comments:
Post a Comment