Although the El Niño weather phenomenon has weakened, the temperature across Myanmar continues to rise amid the raging flames of war. The intermittent power interruptions added more misery to people in all parts of the country. The death tolls from heatstroke has been increasing with children, old people and people with diseases suffering the most.

 

Intensified combat in Myawaddy-Asia Road

 

The junta troops from Kawkareik and allied KNLA-PDF forces battled along the Kawkareik-Myawaddy Asia road. The light infantry 275 headquarters seized earlier by allied anti-junta forces fell under the junta troops again with the support of the BGF. The Myanmar junta is attempting to send more troops to Myawaddy. The military column passed Kawkareik on 12 April was attacked on 21 April at the Dawna foothill. The KNLA-PDF forces are trying to prevent that Aung Zeya military column from passing through the Dawna hill.

 

Chinese minister meets junta minister

 

The minister of Public Security and a member of State Councilor Wang Xiaohng met with deputy general Yar Pyae in Beijing on 25 April. China disclosed that their discussion focused on the quelling of online betting services and crimes related to them.

 

The statement said both sides agreed to quell online betting, drugs trade and cross border crimes.

 

EU condemns capital sentence in Laukkai

 

The execution of 10 men was carried out in the Kokant army’s administered zone in Laukkai in full view of the public. Following the 1027 anti- junta operation, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army ( MNDAA) gained control of Laukkai and it imposed the death penalty to the 10 convicts.

 

The MNDAA said seven of the 10 convicts were MNDAA fighters found guilty of extortion, trafficking and murder. The 10 convicts were executed in a crowded place in Tong Cheng in Laukkai.

 

The European Union ( EU) condemned the execution in a statement issued on 25 April. It said death sentence is an inhumane action and degrades human dignity.

 

Thailand wants more ASEAN intervention to resolve Myanmar conflict

 

Thailand suggested that Myanmar junta and the ASEAN countries should work together to solve the political turmoil in Myanmar. That proposal was submitted through current ASEAN chairman Laos. It warned about the worsening conflict in Myanmar that could snowball and affect neighboring countries.

 

The ASEAN chair of last year, Indonesia , current ASEAN chair Laos and next year’s chairman Malaysia could jumpstart more ASEN intervention in Myanmar, which is a member of the 10-country sub regional grouping.

 

Shortage of food in Rakhine

 

The military controlled Sittwe, Kyauk Phyu and Ann in Rakhine State are experiencing food shortage due to the blockade of city gates, grounding to a halt trade and commerce. The price of a bag rice has reached 200,000 Kyats and restricted fishing led to shortage of meat and fish.

 

Aung Yadanar Private hospital is closed

 

Junta authorities ordered the temporary closure of well-known private hospital Aung Yadanar Hospital in Thingankyun, because of allegedly appointing staff involved in the anti-junta civil disobedience movement.

 

The authorities from Aung Yadanar said the hospital is going to close due to construction. It will be temporarily closed until July and Aung Yadanar Clinic will be available for the people under medical treatment.

 

Burma Associated Press