Hello everyone. From now on, we will be reading and presenting m.CDM’s domestic news updates.
Today’s news items include:
- The Acting President urges on Chin National Day that the military dictatorship be eradicated and that the right to self-determination be secured.
- Chin State Government Chief Minister says he believes victory is inevitable because this is where the Spring Revolution began.
- Air attacks in Myaung, Khin-U, and Tant Se townships: 2 killed; in Hakha, soldiers raid the electricity office and shoot—one staff member killed.
- Six region-based CDM civil servant councils and the CDM Medical Network اعتراض/oppose the government’s handling of the Daw Kyi Pyar case; they warn they will boycott the government until justice is served; NUG to hold a press conference—along with other related updates.
⸻
1) Acting President urges eradication of military dictatorship and securing self-determination on Chin National Day
m.CDM — February 20
At the ceremony for the 78th Chin National Day held today, the National Unity Government (NUG) Acting President Duwa Lashi La delivered a congratulatory message to the Chin people and urged them to fight to uproot the military dictatorship and secure the self-determination they desire.
He said that because this is a revolutionary period, people may not be able to gather face-to-face, but he hopes that once the military dictatorship ends, Chin National Day can be celebrated again grandly and joyfully.
He added that throughout history, the courage and capability of the Chin people were clearly seen in their fierce resistance to colonial rule, and that they also played a front-line role in building a new Union.
He explained that February 20, the day Chin National Day is commemorated, is significant because it was the day the British colonial authorities arrested and imprisoned Chin national leaders who were striving for liberation—and also the day the Chin people collectively decided to abolish feudal administration and replace it with a democratic system.
He pointed out that successive military governments tried to erase Chin national identity, and that allowing only the term “Chin State Day” instead of “Chin National Day” was itself a form of oppression.
He said that at present, Chin State has become territory almost entirely under control, and urged continued efforts to consolidate these areas into secure liberated zones, and most importantly, to build and maintain unity among all forces.
In closing, he said he stands with the Chin people’s aspirations to uproot the military dictatorship and achieve the true freedom and self-determination long sought by successive Chin leaders.
⸻
2) Chin State Government Chief Minister: Victory is inevitable because this is where the Spring Revolution began
m.CDM — February 20
Chin State Government Chief Minister Salai Myo Htike said he believes victory is inevitable because Chin State is where the Spring Revolution began. He said this while delivering remarks of thanks on behalf of the Chin State Government at the 78th Chin National Day ceremony held on February 20.
He said that on February 20, 1939, Chin leaders led by Wam Ma Tu Maw began resisting British colonial rule in Kanpetlet (Pakokku Hill Tracts District), and that this struggle continued until Burma gained independence. He also said it was a place that helped spark General Aung San’s underground revolution and the emergence of the Burma Independence Army.
He added that the current Spring Revolution to uproot the dictatorship also began with the “Tu Mee Revolution” in Mindat on April 24, 2021, and that Mindat became the place that sounded the call and helped ignite the Spring Revolution.
Because Mindat is the true starting point of the Spring Revolution, he said he believes victory is unavoidable.
He stated that Chin people will continue fighting together with all revolutionary allies to completely crush dictatorship, striving from the liberation of Chin State to the liberation of the entire Union.
He also said that for today’s 78th Chin National Day ceremony, many organizations sent messages of tribute, including NUG, CRPH, Chin regional defense forces, the Karenni State Consultative Council, the Ta’ang Council, the Sagaing Federal Unit Interim Government, Magway Federal Unit Interim Government, the Mandalay Region Interim Administrative Council, and the Pa-O National Federal Council.
⸻
3) Air attacks in Myaung, Khin-U, and Tant Se; 2 dead. In Hakha, soldiers raid the electricity office and shoot—one staff member killed
m.CDM — February 20
In Sagaing Region, the junta forces carried out air attacks on Myaung, Khin-U, and Tant Se townships. A father and his daughter were killed, and there were additional injuries.
• On February 20 at about 2:40 PM, two gyrocopters coming from Monywa (Northwestern Command) bombed Nabat Village (Myaung Township) without cause. Six civilians were injured; one man and two women were reported critically wounded.
• Similarly, in Khin-U Township, Ywar Sin Village was attacked on February 19 by a suicide drone launched from Shwebo Training Battalion (No. 😎. A 50-year-old man and his 16-year-old daughter were killed on the spot; three other civilians were injured.
• In Tant Se Township, around midday on February 20, three gyrocopters bombed a rural clinic in Kone Yoe Village, damaging the clinic buildings.
In addition, in Hakha (Chin State), junta forces used the pretext that a drone had been seen flying over town and raided the electricity office on the morning of February 20, opening fire. They claimed the drone had taken off from the electricity office; a male electricity staff member from Falam was shot in the head and killed.
Two other staff members on duty were reportedly beaten and arrested. Residents also reported continued sounds of heavy and small arms fire inside Hakha.
⸻
4) In Pale Township, BNRA members continue surrendering and joining PDF/PaKaFa; junta takes away additional BNRA members
m.CDM — February 20
In Pale Township (Sagaing Region), remaining members of the Bamar National Revolutionary Army (BNRA) are continuing to surrender and join PDF and PaKaFa forces. It is also reported that the junta has taken away more than 20 BNRA members.
• Fifteen BNRA members among those fleeing were taken away when they ran into a junta column at Min Taing Pin Village.
• The remaining five were taken away from the Pale football field, according to confirmation by Pale PaKaFa deputy leader Dr. Nan Win.
BNRA leader Bo Nagar has reportedly been sent to interrogation, where the junta is questioning him about territorial conditions in Sagaing Region, according to circles close to the military.
It is also said the junta plans to use Bo Nagar to claim that all of Sagaing Region is now under its control.
False news has been spreading that BNRA top leaders Thubayaza and Daung Nyo were killed; however, Battalion Commander Bo Swan of Yinmarbin District Battalion (28) released a statement with video evidence saying both are alive and that necessary checks are being carried out.
However, Bo Myat Lote, commander of BNRA Battalion (3)—who has been charged with crimes including elephant poaching in the Alaungdaw Kathapa wildlife reserve—reportedly surrendered to PDF, then fled and later collaborated with the junta.
NUG’s Deputy Minister of Home Affairs U Kyaw Ni estimated BNRA’s total strength at no more than 300–400, and said that as of February 18, more than 150 BNRA members had already joined PDF/PaKaFa or been captured.
It is also reported that along with Bo Nagar, BNRA finance officer Ko Phyo and military officer Ko Lat have collaborated with the junta, and that junta military activity in Pale Township has increased noticeably.
NUG’s Ministry of Defence stated that BNRA committed crimes including oppression of civilians, murder, and child rape, and that there is evidence of contact with enemy forces—therefore, forceful action was unavoidable.
⸻
5) CDM groups oppose handling of Daw Kyi Pyar case; warn of boycott until justice; NUG to hold press conference
m.CDM — February 20
Six region-based CDM civil servant councils and the CDM Medical Network strongly objected to the government’s handling of complaints involving Daw Kyi Pyar, Permanent Secretary of the NUG Prime Minister’s Office, saying the process lacks transparency and shows bias.
NUG issued a decision described as a “strong warning” on February 18, but CDM forces said the decision contradicts information included in the complaint and reflects a lack of accountability.
In their statement, the six CDM councils demanded:
• Transparent publication of the investigation report;
• A legally solid explanation of why alleged acts such as corruption, nepotism, and workplace sexual harassment were deemed not to constitute wrongdoing, including what evidence supported that conclusion.
They also objected to silence from CDM mandate holders within NUCC and CDM representatives in CRPH, and warned that if meaningful justice is not delivered, they will suspend recognition and support for the NUG and carry out a firm boycott.
Similarly, the CDM Medical Network said it is saddened by a decision lacking integrity and accountability, and demanded six points including making the investigation report public within one week, greater financial transparency during the revolution, and if misappropriation is proven, not only dismissal but also repayment of misused funds.
They also called on the Prime Minister, as head of the government mechanism, to ensure justice, take responsibility, and apologize to the public. Until their six demands are met, they said they will halt all cooperation with NUG, and warned that any cooperation by individuals would not represent the Network.
Public criticism on social media has also intensified, with some voices calling for the Prime Minister to resign.
NUG announced it will hold a press conference to report to the public on the investigation team’s findings and analysis, and the Prime Minister’s Office’s actions regarding the complaint involving the Permanent Secretary and her husband. The briefing will be livestreamed via NUG, PVTV (Public Voice Television), and some media social pages on Saturday, February 21, at 1:00 PM.
⸻
6) On the Shan border, the junta remains silent as China extends fencing into Myanmar territory
m.CDM — February 20
In northern Shan State along the China–Myanmar border, China is reportedly extending border fencing further into Myanmar territory, but the junta has remained silent without lodging any objection.
The new fencing is being installed from Ruili (China) opposite Muse, stretching toward Mansi Township, and reportedly intrudes 50 feet to 100 yards into Myanmar’s side.
Locals said that in 2020 during COVID-19, China had also unilaterally built fencing that intruded more than 30 feet into Myanmar’s border areas in Kachin and Shan States, which the NLD civilian government had objected to. China reportedly responded that it would remove the fencing after the COVID period, but it has not removed it and has now expanded the intrusion beyond 100 yards.
Although people are posting video evidence on social media, the junta—often claiming “we won’t allow even an inch of encroachment”—has not summoned the Chinese ambassador, protested, or conducted any inspection.
Locals also recalled that after the coup, in September 2021, when China unilaterally encroached on the Namkham border and people went to dismantle the fence, the junta did not protest either.
There is said to be a 1997 border management agreement between Myanmar and China, yet China has repeatedly carried out such fence encroachment.
⸻
7) Junta uses children to distribute drugs in Lay Doh Township (KNU area)
m.CDM — February 20
The KNU Central issued a statement on February 20 saying that in Lay Doh Township in Kler Lwee Htoo District (Kawthoolei-administered area), the junta is using underage children to distribute drugs.
This followed the arrest and detention by the Karen National Police Force (K.N.P.F.) of two children aged 16 and 13 on February 16, who were carrying about 100 WY-labeled meth tablets.
The two children reportedly live in the market area of Kyauk Ta Ga and admitted they came to distribute drugs in the administrative area of Lay Doh Township under orders from the junta.
The KNU Central stated that the junta is using various methods—beyond military means—such as bribery, spreading disinformation to tarnish the revolution, and multiple tactics aimed at corrupting social morals among local people.
⸻
😎 A phone-based warning system can now alert people when junta aircraft approach
m.CDM — February 20
An air-scouting group announced that a Warning System is now available that can alert people via their phones when junta aircraft approach.
They said this early-warning system—announced on February 15—can trigger an alarm on a phone when an aircraft enters an 80–100 km radius around the user’s township. This can give civilians a few minutes to prepare and evacuate to safety in time.
They said it is expected to be especially beneficial in Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, Chin, and Kachin, while effectiveness may be weaker in areas where reporting is limited, such as Rakhine, Karen, Ayeyarwady, Shan, Bago, Karenni, and southern Myanmar.
They noted that airstrikes in December and January reportedly caused more than 170 civilian deaths, and that this technology-based early warning system is intended to help reduce civilian casualties.
They also shared usage instructions: - Use Firefox browser and go to www.waihinscout.com
- In the website menu, tap Alert Settings and select your region and township
- Set Alert Distance (e.g., 80 km or 100 km)
- Turn on SOS Alarm and Browser Notification, and allow audio permissions if prompted
- Keep the browser tab open in the background so the system keeps running
⸻
9) A soldier from Battalion 371 (Gantgaw-based) defects with weapons and ammunition
m.CDM — February 20
Local outlet “Yaw A Lin Tan” reported that a soldier from Artillery Battalion No. 371 near Pyi Wa Village in Gantgaw Township (Magway Region) defected with weapons and ammunition.
The soldier, Thant Zin Aung, reportedly fled on February 12 carrying one MA-1 rifle, three magazines, and 70 rounds, and arrived to surrender to a revolutionary unit (YRA, a Gantgaw district battalion) on the morning of February 17.
Because he had not made prior contact with resistance forces, it reportedly took about five days to establish contact, and resistance members had to search for and bring him in.
YRA Htilin welcomed and protected him and said they are arranging to award him a cash reward.
“People’s Goal” group stated that in the second week of February, 14 soldiers/police/pyusawhti reportedly joined from the junta side, and 111 were captured as prisoners of war.
Finally, today’s news items were provided by Ko Thit and Lu Lay Khar Shell.