This week, the Thailand Parliament national security and border affairs committee organized a meeting about Myanmar’s affairs. Among those who attended the event were UN Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun, representatives from civil society organizations, representatives from ethnic groups and some leaders of the National Unity Government (NUG).

 

The event was a victory for the NUG as it made international headlines. The two-day meeting hosted by Thailand’s Move Forward party was the first step aimed to let Myanmar people and sympathizers speak out about the dismal condition the Myanmar people face under the military rule. Most of the topics discussed were related to humanitarian assistance. The junta objected to the meeting.

 

Junta and Northern brotherhood alliance met in Kunming

 

The representatives of the Northern Brotherhood Alliance and Myanmar junta troops met in Kunming, China and discussed affairs in Northern Shan state from 29 February to 01March.

 

Some funny stories spread about the topics of their discussions, including the allocation of alleged trade restriction tax for 70/ 30 each in the MNDAA-controlled border posts in Chinshwehaw and cities which were seized by alliance forces. Both sides ignored the stories.

 

The deputy chief-in-commander Dr Nyo Htun Aung stated in the online press conference that the meeting was about ceasefire in northern Shan state and the possibility to open the China-Myanmar border trade post.

 

Junta declared martial law in TNLA-controlled areas

 

After the meeting of Northern Alliance and junta troops, the junta declared martial law in Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) controlled areas like Manton, Namtu and Namhsan.

 

The martial law was announced after the news of handing over those areas to the Northern Alliance. The TNLA could seize seven towns in Northern Shan state. The Northern Alliance warned the declaration of martial law would undermine the ceasefire agreement. According to Data for Myanmar, 61 townships in Myanmar are under martial law.

 

Attorney in Myanmar won International Women of Courage Award

 

The Annual International Women of Courage Award Ceremony was held in the White House in Washington, DC on Monday and 12 women from around the world were honored, including Myanmar lawyer  Daw Myintzu Win.

 

That award aims to honor courageous women who work for justice and human rights. US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and First Lady Jill Biden witnessed the occasion.

 

The attorney Daw Myintzu Win works for the rights of women, children, disabled and LGBTQ and helped more than 500 people in their fight for equal treatment under the law.

 

 

Gold price reached to 40 lakhs

 

After the chairman of central bank claimed to take actions against unscrupulous gold and US currency trader, the price of a tical of 16carat gold rose to over 4 million Kyats.

 

The rising gold price is not a case of exaggeration at the times under military takeover. But traders expressed concern the prices of basic goods will continue to rise together with the gold prices as the junta rule drags on.

 

Most people choose to buy gold rather than hold on to their cash, which is fast depreciating. Gold shops in big cities are still crowded with people.

 

KIA fighters attack junta outposts

 

In the early morning last Thursday, fighters of the Kachin Independence Army(KIA) attacked military outposts in Laiza, Mongmit, Bhamo, Myitkyina and Waimaw.

 

Many people are closely watching the KIA offensive, which could lead to the defeat of junta troops similar to the 1027 operation and the operation in Rakhine in November.

 

Pro-government militia leader U Shwe Min was allegedly killed in the assault as he tried to help his fighters defend their outpost in Waimaw.

 

 

Burma Associated Press