Protests in Bangkok condemn Myanmar army's attack on NMSP

Protests in Bangkok condemn Myanmar army's attack on NMSP
by -
Phophtaw

About 150 demonstrators gathered in front of the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok on Monday for about one hour and a half to condemn the Myanmar army's recent attacks on New Mon State Party (NMSP) troops.

The protestors that consisted of students, migrant workers and Bangkok residents of Mon ethnicity, criticized the Myanmar military’s act of aggression on NMSP soldiers stationed in the Myeit district of Tanintharyi. They cited the attacks as a violation of the February 2012 ceasefire agreement.

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In addition to vocalizing their demands by shouting slogans, protesters cooperated on an letter addressing the president of Myanmar that was delivered to the Myanmar Embassy through Thai police authorities.

“The NMSP has demanded the government respond to these attacks. So far, they have remained silent,” said Nai Layih Htaw, one of the protest organizers, “we have come here to condemn the army’s killing of Mon soldiers and burning of the Mon flag.”

One of the attacks took place on July 16 after government troops fired on the NMSP’s Thu Mingalan military camp located near the Thai-Myanmar border, between Bang Noi and Bang Saphan of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, in southern Thailand.

Two NMSP soldiers were killed, while government forces reported one casualty identified as Sgt. Soe Naung. Four people sustained injuries, NMSP Commander Captain Tamot Chan told the Phophtaw News Agency.

Violence escalated on July 19 after a government battalion based in the nearby village of Kyauk Hta Naung raided the Thu Mingalan camp burning it to the ground.