Civilians shot back against soldiers who attacked them, according to a local man familiar with the incident in Mindat town. Several soldiers were injured during an exchange of gunfire, while authorities detained three civilians during the clash that broke out around 9 pm on April 24. Khonumthung News couldn’t confirm the status of the soldiers except that they are in the hospital. At least two Burma Army soldiers were shot and killed by fellow soldiers during a quarrel at a government housing in the Chin State capital, Hakha, on April 23. In Mindat, four women and three men were arrested…
Author: Editor
249 youth organizations with 1.7 million members from 65 countries joined in joint statement advocating peaceful solutions to the human rights crisis in Myanmar. Through this “Joint Statement of World’s Civil Society and Youth on Myanmar’s Human Rights Crisis,” youth organizations take into account international cooperation to increase the collective voice for seeking solutions through talks among the stakeholders of the country. In the statement, it said, “We urge the head of state of each country and the international community to actively pursue peaceful measures to safeguard the lives of Myanmar’s citizens.” It added, “We urge people and media worldwide…
Chin communities formed a new ethnic armed organization (EAO) to fight for more independence for Chin State, according to Salai William Chin, the group’s spokesperson. The Chin National Organization (CNO) and military wing, Chin National Defense Force (CNDF), will work towards the establishment of a federal union and self-determination for Chins, as well as peace and prosperity, according to the spokesperson. To resolve the current political crisis, Salai William Chin said it will cooperate with other stakeholders opposed to the military regime. According to CNO/CNDF’s recent statement, these include the National Unity Government and ethnic and democratic political organizations. He…
Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO) pledged support for Burma’s new interim government formed by Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hlutaw (CRPH). “They are elected and therefore mandated by the people…The interim government will work towards restoring human rights, democracy and federal matters in our country,” Salai Za Uk Ling, CHRO deputy director, told Khonumthung News. CRPH was established by National League for Democracy MPs elected during last year’s race who were removed from office during the military coup. CHRO released a statement congratulating the officials CRPH appointed for the newly formed National Unity Government (NUG) “as they strive to provide new direction…
Armed forces arrested a youth in Falam during a surprise visit to his family’s household in northwestern Burma. According to a local man knowledgeable about the incident, authorities arrested Salai Cung Lian Mang, 24, after finding evidence that he participated in protests against the military regime. They found a helmet, shield and allegedly 40 bullet casings in his home in Cin Murl Ward. At the time of press, it is unclear if police will charge Salai Cung Lian Mang or release him. On February 28, armed forces arrested three youths in Falam after attacking a peaceful demonstration.
Prominent Chin organizations against the military regime in Burma and abroad established a new council to protect the welfare and interests of Chin nationalities. According to a statement from the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC), it will oppose the dictatorship until it is dismantled and work towards building a federal democracy to provide equality and self-determination for ethnic nationalities. Chin National Front, Committee Representing Chin Hluttaw (state parliament), Civil Disobedience Movement Supporting Team and several political parties joined the council that officially launched on April 13, according to member Ko Pa Than. ICNCC will cooperate with other stakeholders across…
Over two hundred people fled to India after armed forces began a bestial crackdown, arresting every adult male they can find in Tamu and raiding homes after many soldiers and residents were killed during civil violence against the military regime. Terrified residents told Khonumthung News armed forces shot a six-year-old on April 13 and tied a youth to a light post. “Security forces raided the Tamu market and suspected homes while arresting and beating people,” said a resident from the border town located in Sagaing Region. Soldiers raided the Grace Public Hospital, beating up nurses and other staff. They also…
Soldiers shot and killed a couple on their motorbike selling milk in a town on the Burma-India border. A local man knowledgeable about the incident told Khonumthung News the husband and wife were killed near the Per Hel Bridge connecting Namhpalon with Tamu, in Sagaing District, at about 11 am on April 13. Kishan Goutam and Harimaya Goutam are from the Burmese Gurkha community. They live in Myoma Ward-2. According to other news sources, their bodies were left in a ditch until being sent to a hospital morgue by a relief group. The couple has one daughter and two sons.…
Thirteen soldiers were killed after a civilian threw a grenade at a temporary military encampment in the Naga Church in Sagaing Region this Sunday, April 11. Two civilians in Tamu died during the firefight between soldiers with automatic weapons and locals armed with Tu Mee rifles (traditional hunting rifles). The rifles fire small iron balls and must be reloaded after each shot. A home burned to the ground during the violence in the border town near India. In Kalay, authorities informed Biak Lawm Cuang’s family to retrieve his body from the military hospital. The twenty-six-year-old, who is the father of…
Armed forces arrested about eleven university students in western Chin State, suspected of participating in protests against the military regime. Authorities detained the students in Matupi town, located in the township of the same name, from April 7-8. Their computers, phones and some documents were seized. According to a youth knowledgeable about the situation, armed forces arrested the students after raiding two homes. It is believed the second home was targeted after an informer told authorities where the students were hiding. Khonumthung News learned that Salai Timothy, Salai Titus, Salai John Ahta and Salai Naung Naung and Tun Lin Oo,…