During his latest speech, coup leader Min Aung Hlaing seems to have changed idea on why the military had to seize power one year ago. He is now claiming that the previous government was destroying Myanmar traditions and culture, by demolishing the ultra-nationalist group Ma Ba Tha, allowing traditional dance to be mixed with pop culture (including dancing with shoes at the Shwedagon Pagoda! Not sure where he got this one), and allowing sex education. Unfortunately this ultra-conservative narrative is somehow popular among a (albeit small) portion of the population, but the vast majority of the country is much more open-minded than the generals think. After all almost 60% of the population is under 30. The Resistance to the coup is proof of this cultural divide between an ultra-conservative, nationalist and racist institution, and the people who have seen enormous changes in the last ten years.
May the Tatmadaw soon become the past
POLITICS, ECONOMY AND OTHER NEWS
• Cambodia Says Myanmar Junta’s Foreign Minister Not Invited to Upcoming ASEAN Meeting (Source: VOA)
• According to the military regime, almost 370 pro-military officials have been killed since the coup, and over 300 have been wounded
• The UN appealed Tuesday for $826 million to get humanitarian aid to 6.2 million people in Myanmar in 2022, saying the country had plunged into unprecedented suffering since last year’s coup. (Source: Mizzima)
• “Meth production increased last year from already extreme levels in northern Myanmar and there is no sign it will slow down,” said Jeremy Douglas, UNODC‘s regional representative in Southeast Asia. (Source: Euronews)
CHIN STATE
• Matupi: at least 6 regime soldiers killed by Resistance fighters
• Thantlang: Resistance fighters of the Chin National Front (CNA) killed 5 regime soldiers. Over 90 houses have been burned by regime troops in the last 3 days. Hundreds of buildings have been destroyed since the junta started attacking the area.
SAGAING
• Kalay: 3 regime soldiers killed in a clash against Resistance fighters
• Pale: regime troops burned several houses in Mwe Ton Village
KARENNI (KAYAH) STATE
• At least 45 civilians have been killed by regime troops in Junuary
ARAKAN (RAKHINE) STATE
• Maungdaw: clash between regime troops and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army in Labawwa.
YANGON
• Thanlyin: an innocent civilian, Ko Zaw Naing (32), was shot dead by drunk soldiers in front of a school
• A series of shootings and explosions took place in North Okkalapa, Hlaing Thar Yar and Tamwe
TANINTHARYI
• Tayahchaung: junta forces fired heavy artillery in Pe Ce Village, killing a woman, Zu Moh Moh.
COVID DAILY (as reported by the military-controlled Ministry of Health. Real figures are believed to be higher than officially reported)
• 143 new cases and 0 new deaths
AAPP Burma daily update (arrests and killings connected to the attempted military coup only, does not include events related to armed conflict). Since February 1st:
• 1,507 killed (Feb 1st)
• 11,902 total arrests ()
• 1,972 evading warrant ()
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