Mai Rupa, Dec 23
The junta’s information minister, U Maung Maung Ohn, visited Kyaukme and Hsipaw in northern Shan State—townships heavily damaged by its airstrikes, including civilian homes—where he donated Buddha statue and MRTV antenna dish.
According to the junta’s statement, Information Minister U Maung Maung Ohn, accompanied by several celebrities, met with local residents and made donations in Hsipaw and Kyaukme on December 19 and 20.
Junta described these gatherings as meetings for “Information and the Promotion of a Strong and Robust Social Community.”
A Kyaukme resident told Shwe Phee Myay that hundreds of civilian homes were destroyed by the junta’s airstrikes while the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) controlled the towns. The resident added that, to date, the destroyed homes remain unrepaired.
“Most people have left their homes as they are without making repairs. It’s partly because they lack the funds, and partly because they fear that if the political situation becomes chaotic again, everything will just be destroyed once more,” he said.
Furthermore, the junta’s Union Minister stated in Hsipaw that since an election is slated to be held soon, residents should vote for those who can bring benefits to the region.
The artists and celebrities who reportedly participated in the entertainment programs for the public meetings in Kyaukme and Hsipaw included Hsu Pan Htwar, Pwint, Saung Yu San, Sithu Win, and Thanthar Moe Theint.
Junta managed to retake Kyaukme and Hsipaw in October, after the towns had previously been under the control of the TNLA.
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Translated by #KLT
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