Hello, and from this moment on, we will be presenting m.CDM’s domestic news.
The main stories for today are:
- Acting President Duwa Lashi La urges revolutionary parliament and government to stay balanced, and warns people to be vigilant about the junta’s fake parliament.
- In Pakokku, a junta convoy and military column were attacked, leaving at least five dead.
- KRC calls on international organizations to take effective action over the mass killing of civilians in Yedwinkone Village, Nyaunglebin Township.
- In North Dagon, Urban Mice attacked a junta base; two soldiers were injured.
These and other reports will be presented as well.
⸻ - Acting President Duwa Lashi La urges balance between the revolutionary parliament and government, warns against the junta’s fake parliament
m.CDM, March 16
At the 9th session of the Union Parliament held today, NUG Acting President Duwa Lashi La emphasized the need to “shape the parliament so that it aligns with the revolutionary period and to support one another.”
The Acting President said he was proud that, over the five years of the revolution, the government and parliament had been able to move forward in balance. He especially praised members of parliament, saying they are the ones closest to the people and hold genuine representative legitimacy, making them extremely important to the revolution.
He also warned that the terrorist military council is trying to deceive the international community through sham elections and a fake parliament, and noted that the junta may use various methods to seek international recognition. For that reason, he urged greater cooperation with the international community and called for taking the initiative.
In addition, he appealed for the three branches—executive, legislative, and judiciary—to guide and check one another while working to expand the revolutionary journey. Since the revolutionary period is highly sensitive, he urged people to support one another rather than attack each other, and to act with balance and restraint so that conflict does not arise between parliament and government.
He also urged everyone to bear in mind that, if they cannot act decisively now to uproot and eliminate the military dictatorship, it will be very difficult to hope for such an opportunity in the future.
Finally, he concluded his speech by urging all sides to work with full strength for the emergence of a “Federal Democracy Leadership Council,” which he said could become a new step toward a future federal democratic union.
⸻ - CRPH holds the 9th session of the Union Parliament on March 16, decides not to recognize any body created by the junta
m.CDM, March 16
The Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) successfully held the 9th parliamentary session on March 16 starting at 10:00 a.m., with 19 agenda items, according to reports.
A total of 205 Union Parliament representatives attended, which was said to be more than 72 percent of those eligible to attend.
During the session, attendees observed 10 seconds of silence in tribute to the heroes who had fallen during the Spring Revolution. Speaker U Aung Kyi Nyunt delivered opening remarks, while Acting President Duwa Lashi La and Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Than also gave speeches.
One notable feature of the meeting was that Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, presented a diplomatic affairs report. Mr. Charles Santiago, co-chair of the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), also delivered remarks.
In addition, two important motions were unanimously approved:
• a motion submitted by Daw Phyu Phyu Thin stating that parliament would never recognize any institution emerging from the junta’s illegal election, and
• a motion submitted by Daw Shwe Mya calling on the international community not to cooperate with the junta, to continue supporting only the NUG, and for revolutionary forces to work together in unity.
The session concluded at around 1:30 p.m. with closing remarks. It was also reported that NUG cabinet members, representatives of ethnic revolutionary organizations (EROs), and international diplomats attended the meeting.
⸻ - In Pakokku, junta convoy and military column attacked, at least five killed
m.CDM, March 16
In the western part of Pakokku Township, Magway Region, revolutionary forces separately ambushed a junta military column patrolling the area and a convoy departing from Pakokku Division 101, killing at least five junta troops.
On March 15, a junta column of around 70 troops moved from the Kantaw village camp in western Pakokku toward Nyaunggyitpin Pyu Saw Htee village, and was ambushed by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and allied resistance forces.
The fighting reportedly lasted nearly four hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., during which five junta soldiers were seen killed, and some weapons and ammunition were seized.
The operation was jointly carried out by the PLA, Magway PDF, Kamma Joint Force, Pakokku Column, ARF, and Young Force. The junta column reportedly retreated back toward Kantaw village.
In addition, on March 14, a junta convoy traveling from Division 101 in Pakokku toward KaPaSa 22 was attacked with nine homemade rockets by Pakokku District Battalion No. 11 (PPC) and allied groups.
That convoy reportedly included not only junta military vehicles but also civilian-owned vehicles seized for forced use, with around 125 vehicles in total and approximately 500 troops.
Although there were reportedly junta casualties in that attack as well, the exact number is still under investigation, while resistance fighters were able to withdraw safely without casualties.
⸻ - Landmine attack on junta convoy heading toward Naypyidaw kills many soldiers
m.CDM, March 16
A junta convoy traveling toward Naypyidaw via Road No. 2 between Yangon and Mandalay, passing through Taungdwingyi Township, Magway Region, was hit in a landmine attack that reportedly killed many soldiers, according to a March 16 statement released together with video footage by the Ponnawaddy People’s Defense Force.
The convoy had been traveling from the Koe Pin Aung Lan side toward Naypyidaw when allied People’s Defense Forces carried out the attack using multiple landmines.
The attack took place on the afternoon of March 15 at a location on the road between Satthway village and Koe Pin village in Taungdwingyi Township. Because of the blast, many junta soldiers were reportedly killed and one military truck was destroyed, according to Ponnawaddy PDF.
The operation was jointly carried out by Ponnawaddy PDF (Taungdwingyi) and the Southern Magway People’s Defense Force.
Officials from Ponnawaddy PDF said they still do not know the exact number of deaths.
Since the terrorist military has reportedly been conducting operations in villages east of Taungdwingyi for nearly three days, local revolutionary forces have warned residents to remain alert and closely monitor troop movements and the military situation.
⸻ - In Taungtha, Popa Guerrilla Force ambushes junta troops; in Minhla, a Pyu leader is eliminated
m.CDM, March 16
The Popa Guerrilla Force announced that it attacked junta reinforcements heading toward Aye village on the Kyaukpadaung–Welaung road in Taungtha Township, Mandalay Region.
At around 4:30 p.m. on March 12, the group ambushed four Faw trucks carrying around 150 junta troops coming as reinforcements to the Aye village gas pipeline station.
The clash lasted about 20 minutes, and the junta side reportedly suffered three deaths as well as injuries.
After more reinforcements arrived, resistance fighters withdrew safely without casualties due to the imbalance in arms and ammunition.
Separately, in Minhla Township, Bago Region, a Pyu Saw Htee leader was reportedly eliminated on the morning of March 14 by the Black Tiger Guerrilla Force (Thayarwaddy District Battalion 3802, Company 5).
At around 6:40 a.m., the group lay in wait for a Pyu leader named Ye Htun, who was returning from Light Infantry Battalion No. 1 based in Sein Kant Lant village. According to the statement, he was shot and eliminated after resisting arrest.
Ye Htun was described as a hardline pillar of support for the junta, allegedly involved in ordering arrests of civilians and forcing young people into military service, which the group said was why action was taken against him.
⸻ - In North Dagon, Urban Mice attacks junta base, injuring two soldiers
m.CDM, March 16
In North Dagon Township, Yangon Region, the urban guerrilla group Urban Mice Network attacked a location where junta forces were stationed, injuring two soldiers, according to a statement.
The attack took place shortly after 9:00 p.m. on March 14 at the covered sports ground in Ward 43, where junta forces had set up a base. The group reportedly used hand grenades in the assault.
According to Urban Mice Network, two junta soldiers were seriously injured, and the attack also caused significant material damage.
The group also warned junta collaborators to defect to the people’s side and “turn their guns around,” adding that anyone oppressing the people for personal benefit would inevitably face punishment from the Urban Mice Network.
⸻ - Military airstrikes target gold rafts on Thaphanseik Dam
m.CDM, March 16
Military forces carried out an airstrike on gold-mining rafts on the waters of Thaphanseik Dam in Kyunhla Township, Sagaing Region, and local sources say there may be many casualties.
According to local reports cited by Infinity Group, two jet fighters from Homalin targeted the gold rafts at around 3:00 p.m. on March 15, causing deaths and injuries.
The terrorist military reportedly launched the attack despite no fighting taking place, bombing the floating gold-mining sites on the Kawlin-side area of Thaphanseik Dam and also firing with machine guns.
Because the rafts caught fire, there were reported casualties, though the exact number is still unknown, according to the Kyunhla-Kantbalu Activists Group – Kantbalu District.
It was reported that the two jet fighters from Homalin conducted two rounds of airstrikes.
Since the attack specifically targeted gold rafts on the Kawlin side of Thaphanseik Dam, many workers were reportedly hit, and much work equipment was lost. A worker at the site said bodies were currently being recovered from the water, though the total number remained unknown.
Infinity Group reported that, so far, only three bodies had been recovered, and that search and rescue efforts were difficult.
It was also noted that on January 14, the military had previously carried out a heavy air attack on gold rafts inside Thaphanseik Dam using four jet fighters.
As a result, revolutionary forces have urged residents in upper Sagaing areas close to the Homalin air base—including Kantbalu, Kyunhla, Kawlin, Wuntho, Pinlebu, Hpaungbyin, and Mawlaik—to remain especially alert to the danger of airstrikes.
⸻ - KRC calls on international organizations to take effective action over the mass killing of civilians in Yedwinkone Village, Nyaunglebin Township
m.CDM, March 16
The Karen Emergency Rescue Committee (KRC) in Ledo Township has called on international organizations to take effective action against those responsible for the mass killing of civilians in Yedwinkone Village, Nyaunglebin Township, Bago Region.
According to KRC, at around 6:00 a.m. on March 5, the military bombed Yedwinkone village tract using aircraft and drones, shelled it with heavy weapons, then advanced on the ground. During the operation, troops allegedly committed numerous human rights violations, including arresting and killing villagers, detaining people, looting civilian property, burning homes, and using civilians as human shields.
As a result of these actions, at least 30 civilians, including children and women, were killed, while about 16 others were seriously injured.
It was also reported that about 4,097 residents from villages in the Yedwinkone village tract—including Yedwinkone, Kyaunggone, Wache, Inparit, and Dala Seik—have been displaced from their homes.
KRC said that in order to secure justice for the inhumane acts committed against local people in Yedwinkone village tract, international organizations as well as domestic and international civil society groups should take effective action.
KRC also said it would continue working to ensure justice for local civilians as long as military dictatorship remains in place.
The National Unity Government (NUG) has also announced that it will do everything it can to seek justice for each civilian killed by the terrorist military and will prioritize delivering effective humanitarian assistance to surviving family members and displaced civilians.
⸻ - Junta and MNDAA hold urgent talks in Lashio; fighting continues in Namkham, and MNDAA reopens the Muse–Lashio Union Highway
m.CDM, March 16
In Lashio, northern Shan State, the junta and the MNDAA reportedly held urgent talks on the afternoon of March 16 at the Elephant Two Hotel, while the Union Highway that had been closed for nearly a month was reopened by the MNDAA.
The Lashio–Theinni–Kutkai–Muse 105-Mile Union Highway, which had been shut down for nearly a month because of conflict between the TNLA and MNDAA, has now been reopened by the MNDAA, and goods can reportedly once again be transported from the Chinese side, according to a Kokang military source.
However, the Hsipaw Bridge route is still not open.
Although the junta and MNDAA had originally scheduled talks for the end of March, they reportedly met urgently today, March 16, possibly in connection with the situation in Kutkai.
With the Lashio–Muse road now reopened, some observers believe the junta may be planning to transport fuel and weapons from China.
It was reported that Kutkai town is now fully under MNDAA control, and that gunfire has since quieted there, with civilians moving around normally again. However, fighting is reportedly still ongoing in Namkham Township, which is under TNLA control.
According to unverified claims, some militia forces subordinate to the junta have been joining in the fighting between MNDAA and TNLA.
Several health-sector groups—including Health Workers Force Mandalay, Health Workers Force Special Region (1), Health Workers Force Ta’ang Land, and the Ta’ang Civil Society Organizations Network—have called for an immediate ceasefire between TNLA and MNDAA.
They said the current conflict is creating opportunities for the military dictatorship and posing a challenge to the Spring Revolution, urging both sides to halt military action immediately and seek solutions through dialogue.
The NUCC has also appealed for the issue to be resolved politically and peacefully, saying this is a conflict between allies.
At present, the MNDAA says that it is acting in response to attacks initiated by the TNLA, while the TNLA says it was the MNDAA that launched the attacks first and that it will seek a solution through negotiation rather than retaliatory fire.
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The news presented above was contributed by Ko Thit and Lu Lay.