With one year to go, before the targeted nationwide elections, violence is still not heading south. Around the end of October alone over a 7 day period, the following terror related activities happened in various states and regions, reflecting unchanged circumstances related to safety and security:
Magway Region
In Yay Nan Chaung township, a husband who came back to see his wife who had just given birth to a daughter, was murdered by the PDF on his way back to his work place in town, on November 3.
Nay Pyi Taw Region
A tutor and the head mistress of Agricultural Science College in Pyin Ma Nar township was stabbed by a student on November 2. The tutor was killed.
On November 5, terrorists send in suicide drones into Le Way township of Nay Pyi Taw, hoping to attack government buildings within the capital. All drones were intercepted by air defence forces and prevented from reaching their targets.
Sagaing Region
In Yay Oo township, a monk was killed by the PDF on October 31, adding to the existing count of more than 100 monks being shot dead by the terrorists since February 1, 2021.
Yangon Region
One goldsmith shop in Htan Da Pin township was robbed at knife point on November 3.
Two PDF terrorists accidentally detonated the bomb in their own car, in South Dagon township, on October 28. The explosive was to be targeted at the Ward Administration office.
Mon State
Record haul of weapons at Than Lwin bridge check point. Sub-machine guns, other weapons, magazines and bullets.
Bago
Weapons and ammunitions were discovered upon inspection through X Ray and confiscated at Nyaung Khar Shay checkpoint, along Yangon – Maw La Myine highway, on October 28.
Unless the government can root out these insurgents, the prospects of a quick and efficient election look slim and the safety and protection of elections workers would have to be compromised especially in areas deprived of adequate security personnel.
