Under the storms and heavy rains that herald the monsoon season, schools opened again after the summer break. Along with Rakhine that was heavily battered by Mocha, the violent attacks and arson perpetrated by junta forces have worsened in the middle part of Myanmar.

 

Three alliance groups held talks with junta

 

The Three alliance groups comprised of the Arakan Army (AA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) held talks with junta under the auspices of the Chinese government.

 

During the three-day meeting, the junta discussed about the building of federal union, multiparty democracy and implementation of peace process but the alliance groups didn't present any important issue.

 

That meeting was under the auspices of China and the Myanmar junta and took place in Mongla. It was attended by China’s special envoy Guo Bao, of Yunnan’s Foreign Affairs Department. That meeting was arranged after China foreign affairs minister met with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. At the same time, the deputy of SAC , Central Military Commission of China (CMC), director-general of Joint Chief of staff Military intelligence unit held separate meetings in Nay Pyi Taw.

 

School uniforms under injustice

 

People reeling from the devastation of Cyclone Mocha and clashes between junta forces and resistance groups, also faced pressure from junta to register their children in government schools.

 

The junta forced to open schools on 01 June nationwide, including in Rakhine, which was worst hit by Cyclone Mocha. Nearly 6.5 million students (6,473,350) enrolled in schools for the academic year 2023-2024 down by about 700,000 compared to the enrollment during last the academic year, which was about 7.23 million.

 

Former deputy minister of Planning and Finance released

 

U Set Aung, the former deputy minister of Planning and Finance under the NLD government, has been released on 02 June.

 

He was charged and convicted for violations of the State Secret Act Section-3 (C) along with state counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, former minister of Planning and Finance, U Soe Win and former minister of Planning and Finance, U Kyaw Win. He was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment. He was released from Yamethin prison in Nay Pyi Taw. He is the latest to be released among the co-accused of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

 

NUG constituted Yangon battalion

 

On 01 June, the Defence Ministry of the National Unity Government (NUG) announced the formation of the first battalion of resistance forces in Yangon under the guidance of Defence Ministry. It is said to be comprised of highly trained and skilled fighters.

 

The NUG have been constituting people defence forces (PDFs) since 05 May 2021, which killed around 3,000 junta soldiers within two years. According to an announcement, the battalions are organized systematically in accordance with the ethics of warfare.

 

Strong quake hit in Indawgyi

 

A strong earthquake shook Indawgyi in Mohnyin township in Kachin state on the evening of 31 May.

 

The quake damaged some buildings, electric light poles and other infrastructure. The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology said the magnitude 5.9 quake centered in the northwest of Hopong.

 

The residents in Indawgyi claimed it was the first strongest earthquake they have experienced.

 

Due to the earthquake, Hopong-Nam Mun-Lone Ton-Hwaylong road cracked, topple of ogive of monastery and chimney of crematorium. Some windows of Indawgyi High School also cracked and brick walls collapsed.

 

Suspected military supporters shot dead

 

A few suspected military supporters were killed earlier this week. On 26 May, the chairman of the Myanmar Nationalist Organization, identified as U Tin Lwin was shot dead in North Dagon township.

 

Four days after that incident, singer Li Li Naing Kyaw who actively performed in events that support military campaigns and military-hosted celebrations, was also shot at her house. She is now critical condition. Some media outlet reported she died but the Burma Associated Press could not confirm this report independently.

 

Photo - CJ

 

Burma Associated Press