Myanmar Domestic News Updates – May 19, 2025 Morning
📌📌 1. NUG Expresses Condolences on the Passing of Colonel Saw Htoo Htoo Lay, Political Advisor to the Karen National Union
May 18
Radio NUG
The National Unity Government (NUG) has sent a message of condolence regarding the passing of Colonel Saw Htoo Htoo Lay, a leading political and military advisor to the Karen National Union (KNU). He passed away peacefully in Christ on May 17, 2025, at 10:20 PM Thai Standard Time, in Thailand. The NUG extended its deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones in the official condolence statement.
Colonel Saw Htoo Htoo Lay had devoted his entire life to the Karen cause and the struggle for democracy in Myanmar, having joined the Karen revolutionary territory in May 1979. He served under the banner of the KNU with unwavering dedication. As a legal expert, he held significant responsibilities across military, political, administrative, judicial, and humanitarian sectors. He assumed numerous high-level positions, including Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Karen National Defence Organization (KNDO) and General Secretary (1) and (2) of the KNU. At the time of his passing, he served as Political and Military Advisor to the KNU President, a role marked by profound importance.
Throughout his revolutionary journey, Colonel Saw Htoo Htoo Lay's sacrifices, steadfast commitment, and outstanding contributions serve as a source of inspiration and a model of integrity for future generations.
His passing is not only a deep personal loss to his family but also a significant and irreplaceable loss to the Karen people and Myanmar’s political landscape. The NUG officially recorded its grief and sorrow in the condolence message.
========================
📌📌 2. Union Minister U Yee Mon Urges Public Solidarity with PDF Fighters for Irrawaddy Region Liberation
May 18
Radio NUG
Union Minister U Yee Mon of the Ministry of Defence under the National Unity Government (NUG) has called on the public to continue standing in solidarity with People’s Defence Force (PDF) fighters engaged in the liberation of the Irrawaddy Region. He made this appeal during the launch of the campaign "United Struggle for Victory – We Are Returning to Irrawaddy."
The Minister emphasized that young people are currently risking their lives by joining the revolution as PDF fighters, while revolutionary civilians are contributing all they can—from their sweat to their limited means—to support this collective struggle.
“This revolution will bring a magnificent and historic victory. We are building a new system and writing a new chapter in our nation's history. All of us will share in the honor and pride of this achievement,” stated Minister U Yee Mon.
He further stressed that the revolutionaries place their trust in the people, urging:
"Let the entire Irrawaddy Region and all revolutionary people across Myanmar continue to stand together with the PDF fighters engaged in the battle to liberate Irrawaddy."
========================
📌📌 3. NUG Korea Delegation Attends the 45th Anniversary Commemoration of the Gwangju Democratic Uprising in Seoul
May 18
Radio NUG
On May 18, the NUG Korea delegation attended the 45th Anniversary Commemoration of the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising held at Seoul City Hall, South Korea, from 10 AM to 12 noon Korean Standard Time. The delegation was invited under a special invitation extended to the National Unity Government of Myanmar.
The attending delegation included U Yan Naing Tun, Myanmar’s NUG Representative to the Republic of Korea; U Tin Thay Aung, Co-chair of the Committee Against Military Dictatorship and a supporting member of the NUG Korea office; as well as other Burmese activists actively involved in the Spring Revolution in Myanmar.
The ceremony was also attended by South Korean government ministers, members of parliament from various political parties, international diplomats, and other specially invited guests.
During the event, Mr. Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of Seoul, delivered the opening address, while Seoul City Governor Mr. Choi Soo-don gave a commemorative speech. He expressed hope that the people of Myanmar will one day be freed from the grip of military dictatorship and affirmed the continued support of the South Korean government and its people for Myanmar’s struggle. He also emphasized that U Yan Naing Tun, the official representative of the NUG to South Korea, had been specially invited and was present at the ceremony.
The commemoration served as a platform to reaffirm international solidarity with Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement and the ongoing resistance against military rule.
========================
📌📌 4. Attacks are mounting from all directions on key strongholds like Naypyitaw and Mandalay, says Min Ko Naing
May 18
Radio NUG
Min Ko Naing, a prominent leader of the 88 Generation, stated that a clear message will be delivered that key strongholds of the military council, such as Naypyitaw and Mandalay, are being encircled and attacked from all directions. He made the remarks during the launch event of the campaign titled “We Return to Ayeyarwady for United Resistance”, which is scheduled to run from May 16 through the end of June.
The campaign aims to raise MMK 700 million to support the needs of battalions and brigades under the Ayeyarwady Regional Military Command.
“This campaign and other movements must be viewed in the context of the upcoming nationwide general offensives. At such a time, it’s not just about financial support. It’s also about what else we can do—whether we can gather intelligence, provide food, care for those in need, and actively contribute in any way possible. We must start planning from now,” he urged the public.
Min Ko Naing emphasized that a message will be sent to inform the people that attacks on the military regime’s main strongholds, including Naypyitaw and Mandalay, are now taking place from all directions.
“Those advancing from the rivers and creeks will continue forward. Those descending from the mountains will press downward. Those launching attacks from the riverbanks will strike. This is the kind of coordinated, strategic warfare we need to conduct,” he explained.
He further noted that revolutionary forces have gained control over road networks, enabling more effective logistical operations, including the transport of critical supplies to support the success of the revolution.
“The ability to control roadways is becoming one of the most vital components for the success of this revolution,” he added.
========================
📌📌 5. Call for participation in the “Arm Our Yangon Frontliners” Campaign
May 18
Radio NUG
The People’s Defense Force (1) of Yangon Region has issued a call for public participation in the “Arm Our Yangon Frontliners” campaign, which aims to raise MMK 1 million to supply combat helmets and bulletproof gear for frontline resistance fighters during military operations.
In order to face the brutal fascist military forces head-on and ensure that frontline fighters survive victorious battles, there is a critical need for helmets and body armor. The campaign, which runs from May 15 to June 15, is intended to equip those fighters with the protective gear they urgently require.
The cost of equipment is listed as follows:
- One combat helmet: THB 7,000
- Two ballistic plates: THB 7,000
- One bulletproof vest: THB 3,500
Supporters may contribute toward full sets or donate any amount they can afford.
The campaign is open to donors from inside Myanmar as well as from abroad. Contributions can be made through appointed representatives, the campaign organizers announced.
This report was provided by Radio NUG correspondent Khur Shel.
#SpringRevolution
No comments:
Post a Comment