Thousands of Myitkyina residents Monday protested against current offensives launched by Tatmadaw at Myitkyina’s Manau Park. Religious leaders, community leaders, leaders of political parties, students, IDPs, CSOs and local Myitkyina residents participated in the event held from 9 am – 11 am.
A prayer was led by leaders of Myitkyina Council of Churches. A Myitkyina resident who participated in Manau Park’s protest said, “A number of speakers explained us about current situation in Kachin State, Sara Tu Ring on current IDPs’ situation, Sara Steven on development, Sarama Nang Pu on Women issues. And Sara Lung Jung Tu Raw told us about the objectives of today’s protest ceremony.”
Protesters shouted anti-offensive war slogan during the protest ceremony. They had shouted slogans that said, “solve political problem with political solution”, “Stop mega projects until political issues are resolved”, “Dignity and Respect for IDPs”, “A federal union with self-determination for ethnic nationalities”, “We don’t want Tatmadaw systematically raping ethnic women”, “Stop human rights violation immediately”.
Protesters initially planned to march after gathering at Manau Park but were not allowed by Kachin State’s Border Affairs Minister and Myitkyina’s Myo Ma police station. Protest leaders were told to submit a request for the march at least 5 days before.
