Myanmar Spring Chronicle – Scene from September 3
(MoeMaKa) September 4, 2024
Mandalay city rocket attack, passenger vehicle attacked on Thaton-Bilin road
On the night of September 1, around 8 p.m., a passenger vehicle traveling from Myawaddy to Bago on the Yangon-Thaton road was attacked with small arms. The attack resulted in the deaths of the driver and one passenger, totaling two fatalities, and five other passengers were injured. Similarly, on the morning of September 3, a rocket attack targeted the inner Mandalay city area, with some residential buildings hit, injuring one person and causing damage to the structures, as reported by the news.
On the Yangon-Thaton-Hpa-An and Yangon-Thaton-Mawlamyine roads, attacks and mine explosions frequently occur, particularly in Thaton, Bilin, and Kyaikto townships, carried out by KNLA (Karen National Liberation Army) and PDF (People’s Defense Force) groups operating in the area. Regarding the September 1 incident, it was reported that the vehicle was targeted because it was carrying military family members, according to a news source. However, the news also mentioned that the vehicle was actually carrying workers returning from Myawaddy, not a military family vehicle.
A similar incident occurred on April 5, 2024, when a passenger bus was attacked in the same vicinity, resulting in the death of the driver’s assistant and injuries to several passengers. There have been other attacks on passenger vehicles along this road over the months, with some incidents caused by misinformation or mistaken targeting.
Mistaken attacks, such as those hitting residential areas or homes, often come with unsatisfactory explanations. In the September 3 Mandalay rocket attack, although the intended target was the military headquarters, some rockets hit civilian homes, and the group responsible claimed they were unsure who fired the rockets that struck the homes. This kind of explanation raises doubts and questions about accountability among the public.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the Thaton-Bilin passenger vehicle attack, even though it was mentioned in VOA’s report, which cited a local source. The claim that the vehicle was targeted due to misinformation about military family members raises questions about how accurate this information could have been.
Incidents where armed revolutionary groups mistakenly attack civilians, resulting in deaths, can lead to a loss of public support. It is important for these groups to reflect on such unintended events and take responsibility. Without addressing these recurring incidents, there is a risk of losing the trust of the people, even if there is currently no space for the public to openly criticize or respond.
The armed revolution is not a game, and mistakes and fatalities can occur. While some may argue that revolution is more important than these unfortunate events, it is crucial to ensure accountability and responsibility for such mistakes. Without it, the revolutionary movement risks being perceived as prioritizing power over the welfare of the people, which could damage its objectives.
Revolutionary warfare and its inherent nature are far from smooth or poetic, but the movement’s goals and intentions must align with its actions. Excessive use of force or military tactics may be necessary in some cases, but when civilians are killed or their property is seized or destroyed due to mistaken attacks, there must be accountability. It is essential to prevent such incidents from becoming frequent through both policy and practical measures.
Revolution is not a fantasy story, but it is crucial to avoid abusing the people’s trust. Full accountability is necessary to maintain public confidence in the movement.