Weekly Update in HURFOM Targeted Areas [Week Three: April 2022]

April 18, 2022

HURFOM: A weekly update by the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) on the situation on the ground. Summary data includes Mon State, Karen State and Tanintharyi region.

May be an image of text that says "WEEKLY UPDATE IN HURFOM TARGETED AREAS WEEK THREE APRIL 2022 A weekly update by the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) on the situation on the ground. Summary data includes Mon State, Karen State and Tanintharyi region. HURFOM 6+ ARRESTED 5+ DETAINED 4+ INJURED 1 KILLED Total Arrested & Detained: 2,743+ Total Injured: 415+ Total Killed: 89 These numbers are based on reports from the media, HURFOM data, network members and civil society organizations starting from February 2021. The total numbers may vary."

Analysis
Due to the new year holidays, the field desk received less news and information. However, the abuses and violations committed by various junta troops in targeted areas persisted. Over the last week, indiscriminate firing and shelling continued in HURFOM target areas. Southeastern Burma has faced the increasing presence of the military junta who are expanding their operations despite calls from armed groups including the Karen National Union who have been very clear in their communications.

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As a result of the junta’s constant engagement in warfare, civilians continue to be unfairly caught in the crossfire of the incessant violence. The most recent victim was a 27-year-old innocent woman who was shot dead at a military checkpoint at the Jai Bridge in Kawkareik Township. The van was carrying at least 12 passengers and they were all indiscriminately fired upon the junta. An unknown Muslim woman passenger was killed on the spot, and at least three others were injured. This was confirmed by a social worker, who carried the body, and patients from this incident told HURFOM reporters. HURFOM has been reporting extensively on the human rights violations being perpetrated in Karen State. In Kawkareik township alone, a total of 12,177 people were forcibly displaced by the end of March due to the military junta’s ongoing offensives.

The assaults at checkpoints speak to the increasing presence of military toll booths, where are illegal in nature as they have been used to extort funds and possessions of civilians. This week, two local female travelers from Mawkanin village, Lamine sub-town, Ye Township, Mon State were seriously injured by the junta’s indiscriminate gun firing while traveling to Thanbyuzayat. They were each injured on the chest and head. The wounds looked serious. They was no reason for them to be targeted and shot at, yet the military does not care. The regime has no regard for civilian lives.

Despite last week marking the traditional Thingyan water festival, the people of Burma continued to show their disregard and animosity for the junta by refusing to participate in any type of celebration. With this terrorist regime in power, there is no reason to celebrate. The victories of the Spring Revolution are what people are focusing on in their pursuit for peace and protection in Burma.

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