Myanmar’s Weaponization of COVID-19 tary troops attacked their camp in Mongton civilians amid the coronavirus pandemic.106 Township, a charge which the military denied, Like the attacks on civilians in Rakhine State, instead alleging that the RCSS “ambushed” representatives of the Ta’ang CSOs said that them.104 According to RCSS sources, the Myan- the abuses were occurring “almost every day,” mar military troops proceeded to arrest and and ranged from the killing of a village headman detain a village headman and his son; the head- to the arrest and detention of villagers to the man remains in military custody, according to cutting of phone communications and the local media.105 Tension continues to be high in beating of women and children in Moemeik both Mongton and neighboring Kesi, as well as (Mongmit) and Mangton Townships.107 Mong Kung, with an RCSS spokesperson saying “Everybody is busy with this pandemic. I that he “cannot predict” when clashes will next think that the Burma Army is taking advantage erupt. of that and is committing human rights abuses In northern Shan State, three ethnic Ta’ang in this situation,” a spokesperson for the Ta’ang civil society organizations released a joint Women’s Organization, one of the signatories statement on 8 April accusing the military to the statement, told local media.108 of continuing to perpetrate violence against 104 Lawi Weng. “Myanmar Military: Troops Attacked in RCSS Ambush.” The Irrawaddy. 25 March 2020. Available at: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-military-troops-attacked-rcss-ambush.html 105 Ying Ying. “Burma Army Arrests Eastern Shan State Villagers Following Clashes With RCSS.” Shan Herald Agency for News. 29 March 2020. Available at: https://english.shannews.org/archives/20565 106 Ta’ang Students and Youth Union, Ta’ang Women’s Organization, Ta’ang Legal Aid. “Statement of the Ta’ang Community Based Organizations on Serious Human Right Violations by the Burmese Military.” 8 April 2020. Available at: https://progressivevoicemyanmar.org/2020/04/08/statement-of-the-taang-community-based-organizations-on-serious-human-rights-violations-by-the-burmese-military/ 107 Network Media Group. “Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Tatmadaw Continues Abusing Ta’ang Civilians, CSOs Say.” 13 April 2020. Available at: http://www.nmg-news.com/2020/04/13/10479 108 Ibid. 33