NUG President: Resistance Groups Must Protect Civilians
By Network Media Group
Thursday, December 28, 2023
The leader of National Unity Government (NUG), a parallel administration established by lawmakers of Burma’s former government ousted by the military, has called on resistance forces to safeguard civilians in the face of escalating air bombardments by the ruling State Administration Council (SAC). The attacks are targeting villages and towns where civilians reside, following the military’s loss of hundreds of bases.
“We’ve observed the military boundary expanding both wider and deeper. The primary goal of our revolution is to protect civilians, and we must remain steadfast in this objective. We have to try our best to achieve victory every step of the way. Even as we engage in warfare, we cannot overlook the well-being of our people,” stated acting NUG president Duwa Lashi La in his opening remarks at the 39th meeting.
Laying emphasis on the need for military ethics and protocol, he added, “During armed conflicts, we must strive to minimize civilian casualties. Above all, our focus should be on protecting civilians.”
Many resistance groups, including People’s Defence Forces directly under NUG, have taken the offensive in response to Three Brotherhood Alliance’s 1027 Operation started in late October and Karenni armed groups launching 1111 Operation in early November. In retaliation, SAC has indiscriminately shelled and carried out airstrikes against civilians, including those in displaced camps, resulting in numerous casualties and fatalities.
