Nay Pyi Taw, 16 Sepember
The military council pushed the organizations in the country, including international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to apply for mandatory registration and to get departmental recommendations for registration.
The Military Council’s Minister of Home Affairs Lt. Gen. Yar Pyae urged non-governmental organizations, INGOs, and NGOs, during a meeting in Nay Pyi Taw on September 14.
He also warned them not to provide financial and illegal humanitarian aid to organizations they consider terrorist groups.
An official of a local organization, who did not wish to be named, told Than Lwin Times, “With the pressure of the military council, the organizations have split into two groups: the group that will apply for registration and the group that will not apply. For example, we did not apply for association registration. Therefore, if we hold an awareness event, there will be difficulties due to the military council’s restriction that gatherings of more than five people are prohibited.
In addition, he added, the military council may seek to disband groups that do not apply for registration and may restrict the delivery of aid, which may cause harm to those who really need help.
U Pe Than, a political analyst, said, “The military council has taken steps to use the image of these organizations to make political gains because it lacks trust in INGOs and NGOs that are in direct contact with the people.”
Junta chief General Min Aung Hlaing ordered his ministers during the military council meeting held on August 30 to ensure that INGOs and NGOs are maintained by the relevant ministries.
Min Aung Hlaing accused countries of exploiting aid organizations because some foreign aid comes through INGOs and NGOs.
On October 28, the military council approved the Organizational Registration Law, which allows the state to confiscate the money and assets belonging to associations that do not apply for registration and can sentence members of the associations to prison.
Photo-MOI
News-Than Lwin Times
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