Myanmar Domestic News Updates – Sep 21, 2025 Morning
📌📌 1. NUG Urges Public to Cooperate in Protecting Myanmar’s Precious and Rare Wildlife
September 20
Radio NUG
September 20 marks “International Red Panda Day,” and on this occasion, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation of the National Unity Government (NUG) has called upon the public to take part in conserving and protecting Myanmar’s rare and valuable wildlife species, such as the red panda.
In the NUG-administered territory of Inndaw Township, on September 14, members of the People’s Defense Force seized nine red pandas being illegally transported in vehicles. They were handed over to the Inndaw Township Forest Management Committee, where the Ministry provided necessary guidance and arranged for temporary care and protection.
Efforts are now underway to coordinate with local organizations from the red pandas’ natural habitat to safely reintroduce them back into the wild. Once conditions are secure, the ministry stated that details of the process and actions taken will be publicly announced.
It is emphasized that, at present, it is vitally important to value and conserve wildlife such as red pandas, protect their natural habitats, and prevent illegal hunting and trafficking.
In Myanmar, including its northern mountainous regions, red pandas—also known locally as Kyoun Ni Lay—are among the “completely protected wildlife species” under national law and are also listed as “Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
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📌📌 2. PPNM Confirms Death of 21, Including 17 Political Prisoners, in Obo Prison Bomb Blast
September 20
Radio NUG
The All Burma Federation of Political Prisoners’ Network (PPNM) has confirmed that the August 8, 2025 bombing inside Mandalay’s Obo Prison killed 17 political prisoners and at least 4 other criminal inmates, with no fewer than 10 others injured.
The incident occurred between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on August 8 inside the prison. According to eyewitness (E-01), one bomb fell from above, followed by another explosion, immediately killing about seven people on the spot.
While PPNM’s initial report suggested that the attack may have been carried out using drones, it also noted that details about the type of explosives and perpetrators remain unclear due to the junta’s information blackout and the lack of access for independent investigation inside the prison.
PPNM verified the identities of the 17 deceased through information gathered from the Prison Department, eyewitnesses, hospital sources, and families of the victims. Of the 10 injured, 5 were reported to be receiving emergency treatment at Mandalay General Hospital.
Junta spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun denied the incident on August 16, dismissing it as false. Reports indicate that the junta restricted prison visitation and communication while covering up the news. According to the Prison Department, the dead were buried inside the prison, with officials telling families by phone: “If you wish to hold memorial offerings, you may do so at monasteries only, in order to prevent news leaks and ensure security.”
PPNM stated it will continue to investigate the incident to demand justice and protect human dignity, holding responsible the prison authorities, medical staff, and Mandalay regional police chief.
In addition, PPNM called for:
- The unconditional and immediate release of all political prisoners unlawfully detained in prisons.
- Independent investigations by the United Nations, civil society organizations, and independent media into the condition of political prisoners who lost their lives inside Obo Prison on August 8–9.
- Close public monitoring of prison issues to prevent further deaths and ensure justice.
PPNM further urged that if anyone considers their released data inaccurate, the names and personal details of the deceased political prisoners should be cross-verified against actual prison records to confirm whether those individuals were indeed detained and whether they died inside Obo Prison.
Their report was compiled based on information from three eyewitnesses, two prison staff, two relatives of deceased prisoners, two hospital sources, and two police sources.
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📌📌 3. USBA Warns Public in Tharyar District Not to Trade Military Council Goods and to Strictly Follow Vehicle Regulations
September 20
Radio NUG
The Union of Burma Defense Army (USBA) has issued a warning urging the public in Tharyar District not to engage in the trading of goods produced by the terrorist military council, and to strictly follow announced traffic rules while traveling on main roads.
On September 20, in Taungmon Village of Tharyar Township, goods belonging to the military council were discovered being traded and were subsequently destroyed.
Additionally, while security duties were being carried out along the Tharyar–Minhla road, a vehicle that violated traffic rules and failed to stop when politely ordered for inspection attempted to flee. It was intercepted and seized through gunfire.
The USBA emphasized that failure to follow regulations announced for the sake of public revolution and security will result in consequences for which they will bear no responsibility.
These news reports were sent in by Radio NUG correspondent Khur Shel.
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