On May 27, residents of Tamakhan village in Hpakant Township, Kachin State, held a demonstration against the military dictatorship, opposing the illegal election planned by the military council while showing support for the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), People’s Defense Force (PDF), and National Unity Government (NUG). Local civilians gathered to express their opposition to the military dictatorship system, reject the military council’s illegal election, and demonstrate their support for revolutionary forces.
Additionally, protesters conducted a public strike holding banners reading ‘Vote ILO Article 33 to Save Lives’ to urge the international community to support action against the military council under Article 33 of the International Labour Organization (ILO). Local residents pointed out that action under ILO Article 33 is necessary because the military council continues to commit violence against civilians, violate human rights, and impose forced labor on the population.
The Hpakant region is an area where frequent clashes occur between the military council and the Kachin Independence Army, resulting in civilian casualties due to the military council’s airstrikes and artillery attacks. Local civilians live under the military council’s oppression, facing forced military-related labor, monetary extortion, and threats from military council troops. The demonstration reflects the ongoing resistance against the military council’s illegitimate rule and the local population’s support for the democratic forces fighting against the military dictatorship.
