Within a few days, a new year begins and the revolutionary journey to free the country from the clutches of the junta is going to reach three years, surmounting problems and challenges. The sacrifices could not be measured with some milestones of success. This week's round up will include some particular news.

 

 

Opening of Spring Development Bank

 

The bank was founded during the spring revolution under the administration of National Unity Government (NUG). The Spring Development Bank, which operates online, opened its first public branch in Kawlin, Sagaing. The bank procedures would be implemented soon. Kawlin was seized by PDFs since the beginning of November and it runs in accordance with the state administration.

 

Nephew of military advisor dies in accident

 

The chairman of Myanmar Economic Corporation, Lieutenant General Nyo Saw's nephew died of car accident on Christmas day. He drove his car at high speed and crashed on a lamppost. Lieutenant General Nyo Saw is a key figure in serving the military interest. He is the confidant and advisor of Commander-in-Chief General Min Aung Hlaing. He is also overseeing the junta’s response in the foreign currency and gasoline crises besetting the country. The deceased one is the eldest son of the Myanmar actress May Thinzar Oo.

 

Shellings of heavy artillery in Mrauk-U

 

Junta troops shelled Mrauk-U, damaging the Mrauk-U archaeological museum and three monasteries. The Arakan Army (AA) claimed the shelling of the historical site was an intentional attack. The junta troops shelled Mrauk-U in the morning of 25 December.

 

According to the residents, stone inscriptions, statues and plates which dates back from 6 BC, 4 AD and 15th  century of Dhanyawaddy, Waithali and Mrauk-U ages, were among those damaged in the shelling.

 

The defence ministry of the National Unity Government (NUG) said on 26 December that the attack is the war crime. Since the local authorities have been attempting to include Mrauk-U to be listed as part of UNESCO world heritage site, AA claimed that junta deliberately carried out the attack. Junta troops vehemently denied the accusations.

 

NUG nullified UMFCCI

 

The NUG Ministry of Commerce released said in a statement that it is no longer recognizing the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) because the business group has openly supported the atrocities of the junta against the Myanmar people.

 

 

In the statement released on 24 December, the  NUG accused the UMFCCI of providing financial support to the various activities of the junta that violates labor rights.

 

The NUG vowed to take action members and staff of the association in accordance with the anti-terrorism law.

 

 

 

Shut down of three garment factories in Pathein

 

In Pathein, Ayeyarwaddy, at least 3000 workers were left unemployed due to the shut down of some Chinese garment factories. The workers were not properly compensated for their works in these factories until the end of December.

 

The three garment factories; Haubo Times, He Shan and North Shore , decided to close shop because of the lack of demand and raw materials, as well as  due to power outages and shortage of petrol fuels.

 

 

TNLA seized Namtu

 

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) seized the northern Shan state town of  Namtu on 28 December. They achieved victory after the defeat of the light infantry battalion 324 .

 

The TNLA has launched offensive since the 3rd week of December and military used air strikes in a bid to keep Namtu under its control. Due to the air strikes, some people were killed and buildings were destroyed.

 

The TNLA said the local people to move to safe places so as to avoid air strikes by junta troops. Around 1000 people were displaced because of the clashes.

 

Burma Associated Press