Myanmar Domestic News Updates – May 21, 2025 Morning
๐๐ 1. NUG Alleges Arbitrary Arrest, Torture, and Killing of 10 Pa Ka Pha Fighters by Indian Security Forces, Issues Five Demands to Indian Government
May 20
Radio NUG
According to field assessments, official reports, and corroborated findings, the actual circumstances surrounding the fate of 10 People's Defence Force (Pa Ka Pha) fighters from Tamu District differ significantly from narratives released by Indian media. The National Unity Government (NUG) clarified on May 20 that the individuals in question were not killed in a firefight as claimed, but were rather apprehended under questionable circumstances, tortured, and executed by Indian security forces despite having pre-notified their temporary base relocation plans.
The incident involved 10 members of the Pa Ka Pha from Tamu District who were operating on the Myanmar side of the Myanmar–India border, near Kam Ma Gyi Village, in a temporary relocation move. The NUG asserts that these fighters were neither engaged in combat nor posing a threat at the time. Nonetheless, they were reportedly detained, tortured, and killed by India’s Assam Rifles Regiment No. 1, stationed in Chandel District of Manipur State, India—without credible justification.
In the aftermath, when efforts were made to retrieve the bodies, Indian authorities allegedly presented Myanmar delegates with coercive claims, including that (a) the fighters had crossed into Indian territory and initiated attacks, necessitating suppression, and (b) the Myanmar side agreed not to oppose future border fencing demarcation. The Indian side reportedly forced Myanmar representatives to sign statements under duress before handing over the remains.
The NUG stated that its Task Force for India, formed to address Myanmar-India border affairs, had been actively working to clarify the incident. Within 24 hours of discovering the disappearance of the fighters, the task force engaged Indian authorities to verify whether they were missing or deceased and began efforts to recover the bodies. It also initiated a full investigation, with a formal public report expected within seven days. Coordination efforts continue based on field findings and direct engagements with Indian officials.
Based on preliminary findings, the NUG has issued five official demands to the Indian Government:
Clarify the truth of the incident and allow the facts to emerge transparently.
Investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the killings, which were committed despite clear knowledge that the victims were not combatants against India.
Provide reparations to the victims’ families and take full responsibility for the losses incurred.
Take measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring in the future.
Immediately suspend unilateral border fencing activities during this unresolved phase of border demarcation, to avoid further misunderstandings and tragic events.
The NUG expressed its belief that this event does not reflect the official policy or position of the Government of India. Reaffirming its policy of fostering long-term neighborly relations, the NUG reiterated its commitment to collaboration and peaceful engagement on cross-border issues. It emphasized that this announcement represents the collective will and concern of the Myanmar people, and urged the Indian Government to take it seriously. Failure to uncover the truth, the NUG warned, would severely hinder future efforts to address similar incidents.
The NUG also appealed to the people of Myanmar and Myanmar nationals in India to remain informed of the government’s diplomatic efforts regarding the killings. It urged all parties, especially revolutionary forces near the border, to refrain from taking any rash actions that could damage bilateral ties. Furthermore, it called on all groups to continue cooperating in legal enforcement matters—including combating cross-border narcotics trafficking—within the border region.
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๐๐ 2. NUG Ministry of Education to Host Second Spring Success Research Conference
May 20
Radio NUG
The Ministry of Education under the National Unity Government announced that its Research and Development Department will host the Second Spring Success Research Conference.
The conference is scheduled to take place over three days, from May 24 to May 26, 2025, and will run daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM MMT.
In addition, a special panel discussion titled “Eradicating Dictatorship at the Root” will be held on May 24 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM MMT, jointly organized by the CDMAHR and HECAFC departments. The session will be broadcast live via the Ministry of Education’s social media channels.
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๐๐ 3. Union Minister U Aung Myo Min to Speak at BWU-Hosted Political Forum
May 20
Radio NUG
Union Minister for Human Rights, U Aung Myo Min, will participate as a speaker in a political forum organized by the Burma Women’s Union (BWU) under the title:
“Does the Devastating Earthquake Create Political Opportunities for the Military Council?”
The forum will be held on May 21, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM Thailand Standard Time, via Zoom, and will also be broadcast live on Facebook, according to the announcement.
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๐๐ 4. Public Consultations and Outreach Conducted in Hpa-an District Led by District Chair
May 20
Radio NUG
The Karen National Union (KNU) has announced that a team led by the Chair of Hpa-an District, located in the Kawthoolei-administered area, carried out a series of public consultations and outreach events within the district.
Between May 6 and May 17, the outreach delegation visited communities across the district. The team was led by:
- Padoh Saw Eh Kaluthain, District Chair of Hpa-an,
- Padoh Saw Lah Phoe, District Secretary,
- Padoh Saw Hla Shwe Heh, Chair of Ledo Township,
- Padoh Saw Wah Say, Secretary of Ledo Kaw Sar region,
- and Padoh Saw Estar, a member of the Standing and Executive Committees from Htee Thoo Township,
alongside other responsible leaders.
They conducted field visits to engage with local populations, assess the situation on the ground, and organize community-level forums. These discussions focused on the difficulties and hardships local people are enduring due to the military junta's violent airstrikes, drone attacks, and artillery shelling on villages. The delegation also reviewed conditions of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Following the public meetings, the delegation held discussions with Village Tract Administrative Committees, which are composed of seven members elected by the local populace under the KNU’s organizational structure. These discussions covered the current political context, public administrative responsibilities, and approaches for strengthening rule of law within the community.
Additionally, the team met with responsible military officers from the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and People’s Defense Force (PDF) units to discuss coordination in military affairs. The meetings focused on clarifying how the military units and civilian populations should coexist and cooperate in accordance with procedures established by the KNU.
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๐๐ 5. Expired Food Products Inspected and Destroyed by PSLF/TNLA in Mantong
May 20
Radio NUG
In Mantong, located in Northern Shan State, under the territory of the Palaung State Liberation Front / Ta’ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA) Brigade 3, inspections were carried out targeting expired food products being sold in local shops, according to reports from the Mantong Township Administrative Committee.
On May 18, authorities conducted shop-to-shop inspections within the town and discovered several expired items. The identified goods were confiscated and incinerated, according to the statement.
In a similar move during April, the same committee had also conducted inspections of expired medicines in local pharmacies within the town.
Likewise, on May 12, the Township Administrative Committee in Mongwi (Moe Wi) of Namkham District also carried out inspections and found expired food and medicines, which were subsequently addressed.
Authorities have issued a warning to pharmacies and food vendors: if expired products are found to be re-sold or re-introduced to the market, the vendors will be required to compensate the value of the confiscated items accordingly.
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๐๐ 6. Jet Fighter Bombing by Ceasefire Junta Forces on Shan-Shan Mining Company in Naung Cho Township Causes Damage Worth 1.68 Million Yuan
May 20 – Radio NUG
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has confirmed that the junta forces—despite being a signatory to a ceasefire—conducted an unprovoked aerial bombing on the Shan-Shan Mining Company in Naung Cho Township, located within the TNLA’s Military Region (2), using jet fighters to drop two 500-pound bombs.
The incident occurred on May 11 at approximately 12:30 PM, when the junta’s air force launched an aerial strike on the mining site. There was no ongoing battle in the area at the time of the attack.
As a result of the bombing, the following were destroyed:
One company transport bus,
One mineral processing machine,
One warehouse used for storing machinery and equipment,
And various other assets.
The total value of the damage was estimated at 1,680,000 Chinese Yuan.
In a similar incident, on May 18 at around 5:30 PM, junta jet fighters dropped six 250-pound bombs near Yadanar Thingyi Village, part of the Do Pin Village Tract in Naung Cho Township, again in the absence of any clashes, according to reliable sources.
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๐๐ 7. Special Prayer Ceremony in Rome for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s Upcoming 80th Birthday and the People of Myanmar
May 20 – Radio NUG
In honor of the upcoming 80th birthday of the people’s leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and in solidarity with the people of Myanmar, a special interfaith prayer ceremony was held on May 19 at Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, a prominent church in the heart of Rome, Italy.
The event was organized by the Giuseppe Malpeli Italy-Myanmar Friendship Association, the Benedictine Sisters, and the interreligious organization Religions for Peace.
The program included:
Readings of speeches by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi,
Recitations of Metta (loving-kindness) verses,
And interfaith prayers offered in unity.
Participants prayed for:
Peaceful and secure lives for the people of Myanmar,
Relief from hardship and suffering,
An end to ongoing wars across the world,
And the achievement of lasting peace and harmony.
Special prayers were also dedicated to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, recognizing her lifelong commitment to the realization of democracy in Myanmar.
These reports were submitted by Radio NUG correspondents Tharki, Khur Shel, and Min Sitt Thway.
#SpringRevolution
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