Canada has officially announced new sanctions against 13 high-ranking officials from Myanmar’s military council, including generals, ministers, and deputy ministers, along with three organizations, as declared by the Canadian Foreign Minister on March 8. These sanctions represent an escalation in international pressure against the military council’s continued oppression of Myanmar’s civilians and demonstrate the growing international response to the ongoing crisis in the country.
In Papun Township, Karen State, the military council conducted an airstrike on a monastery in Kyauk Kwin village despite there being no active fighting in the area. The attack resulted in the death of the resident monk, Venerable Bhaddanta Wisudha. This incident starkly contradicts the military council’s claims of protecting Buddhism, as they continue to target religious buildings and members of the Buddhist clergy. According to local residents, this attack further demonstrates the military council’s brutal tactics and disregard for religious institutions they claim to protect.
In Nyaung-U Township, Mandalay Region, two military council-appointed administrators, Htun Wai and Pyu Saw Htee Soe Lwin, were fatally shot. These individuals had been implementing the military council’s orders and oppressing local residents. This incident indicates the continuing deterioration of the military council’s administrative control and reflects the intensifying resistance against their rule. The event also highlights the growing opposition to those who collaborate with the military council in implementing their oppressive policies at the local level.
