Myanmar Domestic News Updates – Oct 21, 2025 Morning
📌📌 1. On the Auspicious Occasion of Diwali, Hindu Devotees and the People of Myanmar Offered Prayers for Peace
October 20
Radio NUG
On the auspicious occasion of Diwali (also known as Deepavali), which fell on October 20, the Prime Minister of the National Unity Government (NUG), Mahn Winn Khaing Thann, extended his greetings and blessings, stating:
“On this auspicious Diwali Day, I extend my heartfelt prayers and wishes to all Hindu devotees both at home and abroad, as well as to the entire people of Myanmar, for good health of mind and body, for safety and prosperity, and for the continued march toward the establishment of a Federal Democratic Union.”
Similarly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also conveyed its Diwali greetings:
“On the occasion of Diwali, may all Hindu devotees around the world be blessed with sound mind and body.”
In the same spirit, the Ministry of Defence issued its message:
“On this Diwali Day, a festival symbolizing the triumph of light and joy, may our Hindu brothers and sisters around the world, and all citizens of Myanmar, be blessed with peace of mind, physical well-being, and may they be granted new hopes and new successes.”
Furthermore, Nway Oo Htee also conveyed Diwali greetings, stating:
“Today, Monday, marks the sacred Diwali Day for Hindu devotees.
May the lights of peace and righteousness shine everywhere like the lamps of Diwali.
May darkness be dispelled and may a democratic nation be achieved as swiftly as possible.”
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📌📌 2. Union Ministers Daw Zin Mar Aung and Dr. Win Myat Aye Meet Thai Parliamentarian; Urge International Community Not to Recognize Military’s “Limited Election”
October 20
Radio NUG
The so-called “Limited Election” planned by the Myanmar military council for December could further worsen Myanmar’s situation, and therefore, the international community should not recognize it, urged Thai Member of Parliament Kannavee Suebsang after meeting with a delegation representing the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), led by Union Minister for Foreign Affairs Daw Zin Mar Aung and Union Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Dr. Win Myat Aye of the National Unity Government (NUG).
Following the meeting, MP Kannavee posted on his Facebook page emphasizing that during the discussion, both sides explored possible avenues for “constructive intervention” by Thailand in Myanmar’s political crisis through its legislative power.
He stated:
“If peace does not prevail in Myanmar, Thailand will inevitably face adverse impacts. Instead of turning a blind eye or deaf ear, Thailand should listen, engage, and seek long-term sustainable solutions.”
He also mentioned that both countries could create opportunities for joint development between Thailand and Myanmar.
Moreover, discussions highlighted that Myanmar’s crisis affects Thailand’s security, economy, and the daily lives of border communities. Providing cross-border humanitarian assistance could help mitigate the influx of refugees into Thailand, and it is also crucial to dismantle transnational crimes such as call-center scams and online fraud operations that exploit the Thai-Myanmar border.
MP Kannavee further emphasized the need for Thailand to demonstrate a strong and clear stance for Myanmar’s peace as soon as possible, and pledged to present these discussions to the Thai Parliament for follow-up action.
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📌📌 3. Pope Leo XIV Appeals for Peace in Myanmar
October 20
Radio NUG
At St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow on October 19 over the continuing airstrikes, armed conflicts, and attacks targeting civilians in Myanmar.
He lamented the suffering of the people and urged for peace negotiations to be initiated in light of the ongoing insecurity and hardships faced by civilians.
Pope Leo XIV stated:
“The news from Myanmar is deeply saddening. Armed conflicts continue, and airstrikes persist, targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. My heart and spirit are close to those who are suffering due to hostility, insecurity, and hardship.”
This statement by Pope Leo XIV reflects the Vatican’s continued concern and engagement in Myanmar’s conflict, following the historic visit of Pope Francis to Myanmar in 2017.
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📌📌 4. STUM Leader Daw Myo Myo Aye and Other Labor Activists Released from Insein Prison
October 20
Radio NUG
The STUM (Solidarity Trade Union of Myanmar) announced that its leader, Daw Myo Myo Aye, along with several labor rights activists, were released from Insein Prison at around 4:30 p.m. on October 20.
Their release followed an official presidential pardon, in which all pending charges against them were withdrawn. The released activists have since returned to their homes.
Among those released, besides Daw Myo Myo Aye, were labor activists Ko Thet Nhin Aung and Ma Thet Htar Swe, according to reports.
However, the statement also mentioned that nine remaining STUM staff members continue to be detained separately in prison.
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📌📌 5. Military Council Pressures Political Prisoners in Insein Prison to Cast Advance Votes, Threatens Punishment for Those Who Refuse
October 20
Radio NUG
According to a statement released by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), the military council has been pressuring political prisoners and other detainees in Insein Prison, Yangon Region, to cast advance votes in the upcoming election.
Reports indicate that prisoners who refuse to vote in advance are being threatened with internal prison punishments, including cell confinement and other forms of disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, despite the junta’s claims of conducting peace talks, the military has continued to carry out airstrikes, artillery shelling, and ground assaults in Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Bago Region, Shan State, and Chin State, resulting in the deaths of approximately 75 civilians.
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📌📌 6. Chuck Revolution Army’s Clinic Treats 558 Outpatients in One Year
October 20
Radio NUG
The Chuck Revolution Army (CRA) announced that the outpatient clinic established by its Medical Department has now reached its one-year anniversary as of October 20, having provided medical treatment to hundreds of people during that time.
Within the past year, the clinic has treated 558 outpatients, including 31 patients wounded by landmines and artillery, 8 childbirth cases, and 2 cases of infection, according to the statement.
In addition, the Mobile Clinic team conducted monthly field missions to 22 villages, providing medical checkups and treatments.
The CRA emphasized that it will continue to deliver essential public services in areas under active military operations, reaffirming its commitment to serving the people despite ongoing conflict.
The organization also expressed gratitude and respect to the doctors and nurses who have been working day and night at the clinic since its establishment.
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📌📌 7. Chin National University Opens Applications for the 2026 Academic Year
October 20
Radio NUG
The Chin National University has announced the call for applications for the 2026 academic year, inviting qualified applicants to apply for programs under its respective faculties.
The academic year will commence in the first week of January 2026, and applications must be submitted by November 30, along with required supporting documents such as the Personal Statement.
Applicants who pass the initial selection process will be required to sit for an entrance examination, and only successful candidates will be granted admission. The university noted that late or incomplete applications will not be considered, and the final decision rests solely with the Education Department of Chin National University.
Programs offered include:
- Two-year Diploma in Vocational Education
- Two-year Diploma in Pre-degree Education
- Two-year Diploma in Postgraduate Education
- Four-year Bachelor of Laws (LL.B)
- Two-year Diploma in Urban Engineering
- Two-year Diploma in Electrical Engineering
Application forms can be obtained through local township or regional education offices, or by requesting the Google Form link via the Ministry of Education, Government of Chinland Facebook Page, and submissions should be sent to chinnationaluniversity@gmail.com.
The eligibility criteria for each program can be viewed on the Ministry of Education, Government of Chinland Facebook Page. Tuition fees (excluding document fees) are set at 200,000 Kyats per month.
This report was contributed by Khur Shel and Padeh Phoe, correspondents for Radio NUG.
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