The military council has announced a temporary ceasefire from June 1 to June 30, marking their fourth such announcement since the Sagaing earthquake on March 28. The announcement was made last night, claiming the ceasefire is intended to facilitate relief and reconstruction efforts in earthquake-affected areas. The council stated that ongoing reconstruction work includes rebuilding government offices, civilian homes, and transportation infrastructure damaged by the powerful Mandalay earthquake, with international assistance being received for these efforts.
However, according to the Ministry of Human Rights of the National Unity Government, the military council has conducted 505 airstrikes between March 28 and May 23 following the Sagaing earthquake, resulting in the deaths of 436 civilians. These attacks have also left 821 people injured. The airstrikes were carried out across all states and regions except Yangon and Naypyidaw, despite previous ceasefire announcements.
The military council has also announced plans to hold multi-party democratic general elections this year, claiming they are making preparations for the polls. They stated that peace and stability in all regions are necessary to ensure all eligible voters across the country can participate in the election. However, evidence shows that despite declaring ceasefires, the military council has continued to conduct airstrikes and military operations against civilian areas.
The military council’s announcement included warnings to ethnic armed organizations and other armed groups, stating they should refrain from disrupting public transportation routes, damaging civilian property, attacking security forces’ outposts and headquarters, or expanding their territories during the ceasefire period. They threatened to take necessary retaliatory actions if such activities occur, claiming it would be in defense of civilians. However, this stands in stark contrast to their own actions, as documented by the National Unity Government, showing continued military operations and civilian casualties during previous ceasefire periods.
