What the World Isn’t Seeing in Myanmar

Love For Myanmar Ministries Update

Christ Centered, Servant Hearted, Myanmar Focused

Gary Watkins, LFM Co-founder

• Prayer Request: Myanmar coup day 1,524 (4/4)
  Please pray that our God will continue to use our ministry and others to help turn hearts in Myanmar towards Him, and this civil war will end.

1. In Karenni State, the junta frequently carries out shelling attacks and airstrikes not only in war zones but also in civilian areas where there is no active fighting, targeting schools, homes, and religious buildings, causing immense suffering to many children. There have been children who have died or been disabled due to the junta’s attacks. Disabilities aren’t just about losing limbs; some have suffered ruptured eardrums, leading to hearing loss from the explosions.
2. The burned bodies of 11 civilians, nine of whom were over 50 years of age, were found in Yesagyo Township, Magway Region after junta soldiers had brutally murdered them. They brutally murdered villagers who had not managed to flee, most of whom were elderly and had stayed in the village because they had difficulties fleeing. They then burned down most of the village.
3. Myanmar’s junta has started conscription in the Mandalay Region for its 12th batch of military recruits.The junta has a list of eligible individuals aged 18 to 35, using a lottery system to determine who gets conscripted. Earlier this month, parents in the Mandalay Region were forced to sign declarations agreeing to draw lots and voluntarily send their children to administrative offices if selected or face jail under the Conscription Law.
4. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) has stated that over 28,000 political detainees have been apprehended and convicted by the junta government. At present, over 22,000 political prisoners continue to be held in captivity. A minimum of 2,019 political prisoners have perished while in custody.
5. An intense battle is underway in western Myanmar as junta troops attempt to re-take Falam, the second-biggest city in Chin state, with the military dropping more than 500 bombs over the past week. Ethnic Chin and Rakhine rebels are in control of at least 85% of the western state.
6. Strict fuel rationing imposed by Myanmar’s military council has triggered severe shortages and soaring prices in Muse Township, Northern Shan State, crippling local businesses and disrupting cross-border trade. Since March 24, private vehicle owners have been forced to obtain permits to buy fuel, with purchases capped at just four gallons per month which is far below what many need to sustain livelihoods.
7. The Myanmar Military Council has prohibited foreign journalists from reporting on the recent earthquake, citing security concerns. The real reason behind the ban is likely the authorities’ desire to control the narrative surrounding their disaster response. People living in affected areas posted on social media that junta troops delayed rescue operations, prohibiting residents and volunteers from searching for those trapped under rubble after 10 p.m. Airstrikes on the heavily-impacted Sagaing region and other parts of the country have also slowed rescue operations, according to opposition groups in impacted areas. There is also fear of volunteers being arrested by junta troops while they search for survivors.