Myanmar Domestic News Updates – April 19, 2025 Evening
๐๐ 1. Visuals of Mandalay University’s Main Building Destroyed – Former Student Shares Post-Quake Scene Online
April 19
Following the major earthquake that struck the Sagaing region, the century-old main building of Mandalay University was devastated by a fire earlier this year. The damage occurred during the earthquake on March 28, when chemicals stored in the building’s laboratories—temporarily relocated within the structure—are believed to have triggered explosions. A former student who personally visited the site shared these observations on social media.
Mandalay University is the second oldest university in Myanmar, established in 1925 after Yangon University. It also served as the origin of the country's Agricultural College, which was opened at Mandalay University prior to World War II and later evolved into the present-day University of Agriculture.
The post-quake fire that destroyed this historic landmark—prominently known for its grand wooden columns, majestic staircases, and scenic landscape surrounded by flowering trees—has dealt a significant cultural and educational blow to Mandalay. Located near the city's ancient moat, the building stood as a proud icon. With the country still under the oppressive control of the military regime, there is no clear indication as to when or whether this historic structure can ever be restored.
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๐๐ 2. Mandalay Strike Force Urges Public to Defy Military Oppression and Fight Back
April 19
The Mandalay Strike Force has called on the public to actively resist the oppressive and militarized rule imposed by the terrorist junta that has unlawfully seized power from the democratically mandated government. They urged the people not to remain silent in the face of tyranny but to rise and fight back.
During the Myanmar New Year period, revolutionary youth in Mandalay offered heartfelt prayers for the safety and well-being of all Myanmar citizens, wishing for freedom from both natural and man-made disasters. On April 17, the first day of the traditional Myanmar calendar year, a New Year public protest was carried out.
Due to security concerns for participants involved in the action, details about the protest have only now been publicly disclosed. In Mandalay, one of the cities hardest hit by the recent earthquake, the fascist regime continues its pattern of ignoring the people’s suffering, offering no assistance and instead escalating its violent repression.
The statement went on to emphasize that in the face of such cruelty and inhumanity—embodied by Min Aung Hlaing and his authoritarian military regime—the public must continue the resistance. It urged citizens to support each other, building a people-powered movement to advance the revolution together.
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๐๐ 3. Norwegian Foreign Minister Calls on Myanmar Junta to Halt Airstrikes
April 19
Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has publicly urged the Myanmar military junta to immediately cease all airstrikes.
Expressing deep sorrow over the devastation caused by the recent earthquake in Myanmar, the Foreign Minister stressed the urgent need to halt all violence and ensure that humanitarian aid can reach survivors without obstruction.
He emphasized that the Myanmar New Year and Thingyan festival should be a time to recognize those who lost their lives and to support survivors of the quake. Welcoming the temporary ceasefire announcement made by the junta, he also urged armed resistance groups that have not yet ceased hostilities to observe a ceasefire for the sake of humanitarian relief.
The Norwegian government called for unhindered humanitarian access across Myanmar and appealed to both the junta and resistance groups to suspend all military offensives.
Furthermore, Minister Eide reaffirmed Norway’s full support for efforts by ASEAN and the United Nations to facilitate inclusive dialogue among all relevant stakeholders in Myanmar, in line with the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and UN Security Council Resolution 2669. He expressed Norway’s willingness to assist in fostering those inclusive talks and advancing humanitarian support.
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๐๐ 4. Mass Prayer Offerings at Shwedagon Pagoda for a Safe and Disaster-Free Myanmar on New Year’s Day
April 19
On the first day of the Myanmar traditional calendar year, large crowds gathered at Shwedagon Pagoda to offer prayers for the country’s peace and safety, particularly calling for protection from all forms of disaster.
On Myanmar Year 1387, Tagu 1st (April 17), more pilgrims visited Shwedagon than even during regular festive ceremonies. Their prayers sought relief from natural disasters and the ongoing conflict that continues to engulf the nation. One pilgrim from Yangon shared the following account:
“Since the military coup, fires of war have raged across the entire country. Nearly four million people have been displaced by the conflict, and many have moved to Yangon seeking refuge. Following the devastating earthquake on March 28, nearly 4,000 people died and almost 5,000 were injured. Close to 200,000 people were forced to flee their homes. Over 50,000 homes, more than 400 roads and railway segments, over 600 hospitals, and nearly 1,600 schools were damaged or destroyed.”
A young pilgrim also spoke of their prayer for the suffering nation:
“In such a time of national hardship, I prayed deeply for Myanmar—to find peace, stability, and protection from further tragedy.”
This year’s Thingyan festival saw a return of revelers to water festivities, and the New Year’s Day at Shwedagon likewise drew large numbers of pilgrims. Offerings of food and merit-sharing acts such as serving satuditha meals were conducted at the pagoda and throughout surrounding communities, demonstrating collective spiritual resilience amidst hardship.
This news report was submitted to Radio NUG by correspondent Khant and the media outlet Kyemon.
#SpringRevolution
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