1) Only about 13% of prisoners released in 18 amnesties since the coup were political prisoners
m.CDM, November 30
In nearly five years since the military coup, there have been 18 rounds of “pardons / amnesties,” but only 13.7% of those released were political prisoners, according to ISP Myanmar.
Across those 18 amnesties, a total of 112,926 prisoners were released. Out of that number, only 15,444 were political prisoners, meaning just 13.7% of those freed were political inmates.
After the 2021 coup, there were a total of 8,665 people arrested or charged under Section 505-A of the Penal Code. On 26 November this year, the junta announced an amnesty and sentence reductions, under which 724 people who were imprisoned solely under Section 505-A were released.
For a further 2,361 individuals who had been sentenced under 505-A together with other charges, the junta granted sentence reductions or partial remission for the 505-A portion of their sentences.
In addition, the authorities have announced that they will drop ongoing cases against 5,580 people who had been charged under Section 505-A, and who were also charged under Section 512 for “absconding” or “fleeing” after being accused under 505-A.
One of the core, consistent demands from the international community regarding Myanmar is the call to release all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and to start an inclusive political dialogue.
Because this recent amnesty did not include Daw Aung San Suu Kyi or other key political leaders, ISP Myanmar assesses that the junta will continue to face international pressure over the issue of political prisoner releases.
2) Cannabis cultivation and sales increasing in resistance-held areas of Sagaing Region
m.CDM, November 30
Some local news outlets report that in villages in Yinmabin and Ayadaw townships of Sagaing Region, the number of people cultivating and selling cannabis (dried marijuana) has significantly increased.
This includes villages in resistance-controlled areas such as Min Ywar, Nyaung Chay Htaut, Yatha, Sin Ta Laik, Ka Bar, Ma Le Thar in Ayadaw Township, and Htein Kan, Shwe Saung Kan, Mhwe Hla in Yinmabin Township, where cannabis is now widely grown and sold.
Cannabis cultivation reportedly began around 2023, and older villagers have started using it, while under-age youths are also secretly taking and using it.
Although production and sale of cannabis has grown rapidly, township People’s Defense Forces (PaKhaF), People’s Administrative Bodies (PaAF), and People’s Liberation Forces (PLF) have taken little to no action, and in some areas, local village committees themselves are reportedly involved in growing it.
Previously, these townships focused mainly on seasonal local crops. But from late 2022, cannabis seeds and seedlings began to arrive, and cultivation has expanded widely since then.
Depending on quality, one viss (about 1.6 kg) of dried cannabis can sell for 800,000 to 1,000,000 kyat, and middlemen even come directly to the fields to purchase it. Because of these high prices, locals have switched from traditional crops to cannabis, or are intercropping cannabis with seasonal produce.
3) National MP from Ayeyarwady Region, U Tint Htut Lin, passes away
m.CDM, November 30
U Tint Htut Lin, a Member of the House of Nationalities (Amyotha Hluttaw) for Ayeyarwady Region Constituency No. 3, elected in the 2020 election, passed away at 3 a.m. on Friday, 28 November, due to a stroke and heart disease, according to a condolence statement from the Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH).
CRPH noted that despite suffering from illness for many years, after the coup he continued to serve the Spring Revolution as a member of CRPH’s Committee on Federal Affairs, dedicating himself until the end to ending military dictatorship and building a federal democratic union.
The statement praised him:
“As an MP elected by the people, he not only fulfilled his duties as a Member of Parliament, but also diligently carried out the responsibilities entrusted by the Spring Revolution.”
Since the coup, 12 Union-level MPs and 15 State/Region MPs — a total of 27 lawmakers — have died while in hiding in safer areas, after being subjected to military arrest warrants, threats, and home seizures, according to CRPH.
CRPH expressed deep condolences to his surviving family, relatives, and all comrades in the revolution, and prayed that he may rest peacefully in a higher realm.
4) Car carrying 5 Pyu Saw Htee militiamen ambushed in Myingyan Township – all killed
m.CDM, November 30
In Myingyan Township, Mandalay Region, a car carrying Pyu Saw Htee militia was ambushed on the Nyaung U–Myingyan road, resulting in the deaths of all 5 militiamen, according to reports.
The ambush took place at around 11 a.m. on 29 November, near Nyaung U–Myingyan road, and was carried out by the Pakokku People’s Defense Force – Special Task Force Battalion 1 under Pakokku PaKhaF.
A G4 rifle, two carbines, and a large quantity of ammunition were seized, and the resistance fighters withdrew without casualties.
5) Junta troops and SNA people’s militia destroy bridges and main road inside Hpakant
m.CDM, November 30
According to the KIA Information Department, a combined group of junta forces and SNA (Shanni Nationalities Army) people’s militia have destroyed roads and bridges inside Hpakant town.
In their latest update for 29 November, KIA stated that on 26 November, the joint forces of junta troops and SNA people’s militia destroyed a main road and bridge used primarily by local civilians inside Hpakant town.
Locals said this road and bridge are key transportation routes for residents across Hpakant Township.
The exact purpose of the junta’s destruction of these roads and bridges is unclear, but locals say the damage has made travel extremely difficult.
Currently, the combined junta–SNA force is active around the outskirts of Hpakant, and there are reports of looting of valuable property belonging to residents.
Meanwhile, KIA reports that in some areas under KIA 6th Battalion and 26th Battalion, the junta has been launching large-scale offensives, creating intense conflict.
On the night of 25 November, fighting broke out between KIA’s 6th Battalion and junta forces between Saingbar and Kan Maw villages. Junta troops based in Mazupram shelled the area with heavy artillery and drones, and the junta checkpoint at Hpakant also tightened checks and questioning.
Likewise, in an area near Nyaung Byin village under KIA’s 26th Battalion, there has been military tension between combined KIA forces and the junta, and the junta reportedly dropped two air-dropped bombs there.
6) Two attacks on a junta column in Yesagyo – column commander and two others killed
m.CDM, November 30
In Yesagyo Township, Magway Region, a junta column was attacked twice, resulting in the death of Column Commander Lieutenant Colonel Min Teza and two other soldiers, according to the Yesagyo People’s Defense Force (PaKhaF).
On 25 November, a combined column of over 100 troops from Light Infantry Battalions 256, 257, and 258, based in Yesagyo, was ambushed at around 10 a.m. between Ywar Thit and Than Hse Pin villages.
The battle lasted about two hours. The junta side lost Lt-Col Min Teza and one other soldier, and five were wounded.
In retaliation, the battered junta troops entered Ywar Thit village, looted and destroyed civilians’ belongings, and on 27 November crossed toward Nyaung Saut village, where they burned down 10 houses and further looted civilian property.
While the column was looting Nyaung Saut, resistance forces carried out a close-range attack, leading to a 20-minute firefight. The junta lost one more soldier and two wounded, according to reports.
On 29 November, the column moved from Nyaung Saut to Shwe Kyaung and Pauktaw villages, again looting civilian property, before returning to LIB 258.
These attacks were carried out jointly by the Yesagyo PaKhaF, Pakokku District Battalion 9, and the Nway Oo (Spring) Soldiers – Yele Kyun area column.
7) Five artillery shells from fighting near Min Let Pan land and explode in Thailand, injuring two Myanmar nationals
m.CDM, November 30
According to Thai media outlet The Nation, five artillery shells from clashes near Min Let Pan village in Myawaddy Township, along the Thai–Myanmar border, landed and exploded on the Thai side.
On the morning of 30 November, shells fell and exploded in a border area of Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand. The Thai Royal Army responded with four smoke-shell (artillery) warning shots.
A Thai-owned house was damaged, and two Myanmar nationals — a child and a man — were injured.
On 21 November in the late afternoon, shells from fighting along the border had already landed and exploded on the Thai side.
Currently, heavy clashes continue near Min Let Pan, Mae Wakh Kee, and Ingyin Myaing on the Thai–Myanmar border between junta forces and combined troops of the KNLA (Karen National Liberation Army).
😎 Pyu Saw Htee leader responsible for many crimes in Ywangan cleared; pistol and evidence seized
m.CDM, November 30
The Danu State National Defense Army (DSNDA) announced on 30 November that they have eliminated a Pyu Saw Htee militia leader in Ywangan Township, Southern Shan State, who had committed numerous crimes, and seized a pistol and other evidence.
They reported that on 29 November, they shot and killed Win Myint, the Pyu Saw Htee leader from Min Kya Doe village in Ywangan Township.
According to DSNDA, Win Myint — a major Pyu Saw Htee leader who had committed many brutal acts against civilians — and one of his subordinates were driving out in a private car around 9 a.m. on 29 November when they were targeted and killed.
At the scene, DSNDA seized one pistol, sixteen 9mm rounds, and other evidence.
The operation was conducted based on information from someone close to Win Myint, who has now defected and is cooperating with DSNDA.
Win Myint was said to be the most powerful Pyu Saw Htee leader in Ywangan. In July 2021, he was involved in burning Pae Yinn Taung village and brutally killing seven civilians.
In June 2022, he also took part in burning four houses in Lwal Sin village. Between May and July 2023, he was involved in burning 37 houses in Myat Khar Ein village and five houses in Kyauk Pa Choke village, and in the rape of a 15-year-old girl.
He also reportedly collaborated with Light Infantry Battalion 55 in completely burning Min Palaung village, according to the statement.
9) Junta pushes three-pronged offensive into Chin State; resistance forces lose many positions and seven fighters
m.CDM, November 30
According to CDF – Civic Defense Militia (Siyin), the junta has launched a three-pronged offensive into entry points of Chin State with overwhelming force, causing Chin resistance forces to lose a considerable number of positions.
Since late October, the junta has flown reinforcements into Tedim and, in early November, launched three simultaneous offensives:
- From Khawikam toward Thuingin
- From Tedim toward Thuingin
- From southern Kale toward the Webula–Falam area
Earlier, between May and August, Chin resistance and allied forces under Military Region (1) had fought fiercely against a junta column of over 800 troops advancing from Kale, in what they called the “Khawikam Column.” They captured some weapons and ammunition, but lost 12 resistance fighters. That column still remains stationed about five miles inside the Chin State border.
In the latest offensives, the Chin side inflicted heavy casualties on the junta column advancing toward Thuingin, killing many officers and soldiers including strategic commander Hla Myo Htut. However, seven Chinland resistance fighters also fell in battle.
Because three columns were advancing simultaneously, it became difficult for the Chin forces to mount a unified defense. Each group was forced to defend only its own area with its own forces, and as a result, they could not match the junta’s strength and had to abandon some previously held positions.
Even so, they pledged that, honoring the sacrifice of the fallen comrades, they will continue the struggle until the end.
10) Red signboards in Monywa District urge passengers to report extortion by resistance groups at phone numbers
m.CDM, November 30
In main road sections across Monywa District, Sagaing Region, resistance forces have erected red signboards informing passengers that if they experience extortion, confiscation of goods, or arbitrary detention by armed groups, they can call four listed phone numbers to report, according to local sources.
The signboards do not specify which group installed them, but one resistance leader based in Monywa District told People’s Spring that:
“We are the ones doing this. We are putting up checkpoints. We’re joining forces and will keep only one gate (checkpoint).”
Passengers have welcomed the initiative, while some activists commented, “No matter how many signboards you put up, you have to actually implement the system.”
At present, along roads such as Monywa, Ayadaw, Budalin, and Ayadaw–Khin U, various resistance groups operate checkpoints and collect “taxes,” causing inconvenience and difficulties for travelers.
In previous months, Htigyaing Township saw protests by drivers in response to excessive road tolls and checkpoint fees.
“These news items today were sent by Ko Thit, Lu Lay, and Kha Shell.”