NUG Calls for Judicial Caution as Defections and International Engagement Continue
The National Unity Government (NUG) is advising its interim courts to exercise heightened caution following incidents of detainees escaping. The call was made by Daw May Poe, Director General of the NUG’s Interim Judiciary Department, during a recent meeting.
In international affairs, the NUG and the Quaker UN Office co-hosted a discussion in New York titled “Building the New Myanmar: Democracy, Justice, and Peace.” Meanwhile, the NUG’s Representative to Japan attended the annual conference of Japanese lawmakers who support Myanmar’s democratic movement.
On the ground, a policeman from the junta’s Natmauk Township force defected to a local People’s Defence Force unit in Magway Region, bringing his weapons with him. In a separate diplomatic gesture, NUG Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung sent a statement of condolence to the Philippines following a devastating earthquake.
Airstrikes, Fighting, and Humanitarian Concerns Intensify
A new report from the Myanmar Internet Project states that the military junta conducted airstrikes in 123 townships between February and July. The report notes that over 90% of those townships also experienced internet blackouts.
Refugees from Myanmar, including the Chin ethnic group, are facing potential difficulties in Malaysia due to funding cuts at the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), according to the Alliance of Chin Refugees.
Fighting continues across multiple regions. In Magway, a guerrilla attack on a junta convoy near an oil field reportedly killed six soldiers. In Tanintharyi Region’s Pulaw Township, the junta conducted aerial bombing amid heavy fighting. Tragically, in Sagaing Region, an artillery shell struck a monastery in Shwebo Township, killing three teenaged novices and injuring eleven monks. A junta-affiliated media outlet falsely blamed revolution forces for the attack.
In Rakhine State, over 200 civil society organizations are calling on the UN and international diplomats to recognize the Arakan Army as the governing authority on the ground to facilitate humanitarian aid and resolve border conflicts with Bangladesh. Separately, three women’s organizations have called on the Arakan Army to release a detained female journalist and respect freedom of information.
In a significant capture, 27 junta soldiers, most of them reported conscripts, were caught alive in Magway’s Ngape Township after fleeing battles.
Public protest movements are also active, with the General Strike Coordination Body outlining three main movements against the junta’s planned election, which it says is sponsored by China. Activists in Mandalay were also seen conducting anti-election movements this week.
Ethnic Armed Groups Report New Defections
Two ethnic armed organizations reported new defections from the junta’s army. The PDF Zoland announced two soldiers had defected to them with weapons, and the Karen National Union reported a defection from a junta light infantry battalion in the Myeik-Dawei District.
Junta Focuses on Elections, Infrastructure, and Regaining Control
The military junta claims to have regained control of Kyaukme in Northern Shan State, which had been seized by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army. Following the recapture, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing visited a railway station and instructed officials to resume service on the PyinOoLwin-Kyaukme line.
Preparations for the junta’s planned multi-party general election are underway, with state media reporting that security oversight committees have been formed in Rakhine State for its “successful implementation.”
On economic matters, the junta’s Chief Minister of Bago Region advocated for factories to install solar power systems to improve production. Min Aung Hlaing also promoted solar power, promising electricity from solar production for a new six-story market under construction in Pyin Oo Lwin.
The junta’s Ministry of Labour stated that nearly 180 agencies failed to submit required monthly lists of workers sent abroad in September. State media also reported that departmental staff have returned to Kyaukme to resume the operation of the junta’s administrative mechanisms.
