September 17, 2021

Junshi Biosciences and Coherus to Present Positive Progression Free Survival and Overall Survival Results from JUPITER-06, a Phase 3 Clinical Trial Evaluating Toripalimab in Combination with Chemotherapy as First-Line Treatment for Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

– Interim results to be presented September 17 at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2021 –

– Data support the use of toripalimab with chemotherapy as first-line therapy for patients with ESCC –

– Coherus and Junshi Biosciences plan to submit a BLA supplement for 1L ESCC in 2022 –

SHANGHAI, China, and REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Sept. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd. (“Junshi Biosciences”, HKEX: 1877; SSE: 688180) and Coherus BioSciences, Inc. (“Coherus”, Nasdaq: CHRS) today announced positive interim results from the pivotal study “JUPITER-06” (NCT03829969), a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating toripalimab in combination with chemotherapy as a first-line therapy for patients with advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The study met the co-primary endpoints with statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients treated with the toripalimab and chemotherapy combination compared to chemotherapy alone.

The results will be summarized by Dr. Feng Wang, Professor at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYUCC), Guangzhou, in a mini-oral session during the ESMO Congress 2021 on Friday, September 17, 2021 at 12:05 pm Eastern Time. The abstract (# 1373MO) is now available on the ESMO website.

“The findings of this interim analysis provide strong evidence that the addition of toripalimab to chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for advanced or metastatic ESCC patients has superior PFS and OS than chemotherapy alone,” said Dr. Wang. “We look forward to updated analyses of overall survival of the JUPITER-06 study in the future and believe that these results will build a strong argument to support the use of toripalimab in combination with chemotherapy as a new standard first-line treatment in patients with advanced or metastatic ESCC.”

“A strong and consistent efficacy and safety profile is emerging for toripalimab across multiple tumor types as data read out from pivotal clinical trials in melanoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, urothelial cancer, lung cancer and now also esophageal squamous cell carcinoma,” said Dr. Patricia Keegan, Chief Medical Officer of Junshi Biosciences. “We believe toripalimab could be a potential new treatment choice where patients truly need better options. We will collaborate with Coherus to advance a BLA supplement for ESCC to make toripalimab available as quickly as possible for these patients in the U.S.”

“With JUPITER-06, toripalimab has once again exhibited compelling efficacy in a first-line setting,” said Denny Lanfear, CEO of Coherus. “The significant PFS and similarly robust overall survival data demonstrate that toripalimab in combination with chemotherapy could provide significant clinical benefits to patients with advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. We plan to work closely with our partner, Junshi Biosciences, to pursue a BLA supplement for this new indication expeditiously.”

About JUPITER-06
A total of 514 treatment-naive advanced or metastatic patients were randomized (1:1) to receive toripalimab or placebo in combination with paclitaxel plus cisplatin chemotherapy followed by toripalimab or placebo maintenance. The primary endpoints were PFS as assessed by a blinded independent central review (BICR) and overall survival (OS).

At a prespecified interim analysis on March 22, 2021, with median follow-up of 7.4 and 7.3 months in the two arms, there was a significant improvement in OS for the toripalimab-chemotherapy arm compared to the placebo-chemotherapy arm (HR=0.58 [95% CI: 0.43-0.78], P=0.00037) with median OS of 17.0 vs. 11.0 months;
One-year OS rates were 66.0% vs.43.7% for the toripalimab-chemotherapy arm compared to the placebo-chemotherapy arm, respectively;
A significant improvement in PFS assessed by BICR was also detected for the toripalimab-chemotherapy arm compared to the placebo-chemotherapy arm (HR=0.58 [95% CI: 0.46-0.74], P<0.00001);
The OS and PFS benefits were observed across key subgroups, including all PD-L1 expression subgroups;
The incidence of Grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) (73.2% vs 70.0%) and fatal AEs (8.2% vs 8.2%) were similar between the two arms. No new safety signals were observed.

Junshi Biosciences and Coherus are planning in 2022 to submit a biologics license application supplement to the United States Food and Drug Adminstration for toripalimab for first-line treatment, in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy, of advanced or metastatic ESCC. In China, the supplemental New Drug Application of this indication has been accepted by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in July, 2021.

About Toripalimab
Toripalimab is an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody developed for its ability to block PD-1 interactions with its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, and for enhanced receptor internalization (endocytosis function). Blocking PD-1 interactions with PD-L1 and PD-L2 is thought to recharge the immune system’s ability to attack and kill tumor cells. More than thirty company-sponsored toripalimab clinical studies covering more than fifteen indications have been conducted globally, including in China and the United States. Ongoing or completed pivotal clinical trials are evaluating the efficacy and safety of toripalimab for a broad range of tumor types including cancers of the lung, nasopharynx, esophagus, stomach, bladder, breast, liver, kidney and skin.

In China, toripalimab was the first domestic anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody approved for marketing (approved in China as TUOYI^®). On December 17, 2018, toripalimab was granted a conditional approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the second-line treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma. In December 2020, toripalimab was successfully included in the updated National Reimbursement Drug List. In February 2021, the NMPA granted a conditional approval to toripalimab for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after failure of at least two lines of prior systemic therapy. In April, NMPA granted a conditional approval to toripalimab for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who failed platinum-containing chemotherapy or progressed within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant platinum-containing chemotherapy. In addition, two supplemental NDAs for toripalimab in combination with chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced, recurrent or metastatic NPC or for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced, or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were accepted by the NMPA for review in February and July 2021 respectively.

In the United States, the first toripalimab BLA has been submitted to the FDA for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic NPC. The FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for toripalimab in combination with chemotherapy for the 1st line treatment of recurrent or metastatic NPC and also for toripalimab monotherapy in second or third line treatment of recurrent or metastatic NPC. There are currently no PD-1 blocking antibodies approved for use in NPC in the United States. Additionally, FDA has granted Fast Track designation for toripalimab for the treatment of mucosal melanoma and orphan drug designations for NPC, mucosal melanoma and soft tissue sarcoma. Earlier in 2021 Coherus in-licensed rights to develop and commercialize toripalimab in the United States and Canada. Coherus and Junshi Biosciences plan to file additional toripalimab BLAs with the FDA over the next three years for multiple rare cancers and highly prevalent cancers.

About Junshi Biosciences
Founded in December 2012, Junshi Biosciences (HKEX: 1877; SSE: 688180) is an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative therapeutics. The company has established a diversified R & D pipeline comprising 44 drug candidates, with five therapeutic focus areas covering cancer, autoimmune, metabolic, neurological, and infectious diseases. Junshi Biosciences was the first Chinese pharmaceutical company that obtained marketing approval for an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody in China. Its first-in-human anti-BTLA antibody for solid tumors was the first in the world to be approved for clinical trials by the FDA and NMPA, and its anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibody was the first in China to be approved for clinical trials by the NMPA. In early 2020, Junshi Biosciences joined forces with the Institute of Microbiology of Chinese Academy of Science and Eli Lilly to co-develop JS016 (etesevimab), China’s first fully human neutralizing monoclonal antibody against SARS-CoV-2. JS016 administered with bamlanivimab has been granted Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) in more than 12 countries and regions worldwide. The JS016 program is a part of our continuous innovation for disease control and prevention of the global pandemic. Junshi Biosciences has over 2,500 employees in the United States (San Francisco and Maryland) and China (Shanghai, Suzhou, Beijing and Guangzhou). For more information, please visit: http://junshipharma.com.

About Coherus BioSciences
Coherus is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company with the mission to increase access to cost-effective medicines that can have a major impact on patients’ lives and to deliver significant savings to the health care system. Coherus’ strategy is to build a leading immuno-oncology franchise funded with cash generated by its commercial biosimilar business. For additional information, please visit www.coherus.com.

Coherus markets UDENYCA® (pegfilgrastim-cbqv) in the United States and through 2023 expects to launch toripalimab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, as well as biosimilars of Lucentis®, Humira®, and Avastin®, if approved.

UDENYCA® is a trademark of Coherus BioSciences, Inc.

Avastin® and Lucentis® are registered trademarks of Genentech, Inc.

Humira® is a registered trademark of AbbVie Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, Coherus’ ability to generate cash flow from its UDENYCA® business; Coherus’ and Junshi Biosciences’ ability to co-develop toripalimab, and Coherus’ ability to commercialize toripalimab, or any other drug candidates developed as part of its collaboration with Junshi Biosciences in the licensed territory; Coherus’ ability to expand a late-stage pipeline into the rapidly growing checkpoint inhibitor market; any market size expectation for checkpoint inhibitor therapeutic agents in the United States; the potential for Coherus and Junshi to file a BLA in the United States for toripalimab for ESCC in 2022; the potential for Coherus and Junshi to file additional BLAs in the United States for toripalimab over the next three years for multiple rare cancers and highly prevalent cancers; the potential for toripalimab to gain approval in the United States for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, lung cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, or any indication; Coherus’ plans to invest the cash generated by its biosimilar commercial business to build a focused immuno-oncology franchise; Coherus’ ability to prepare for projected launches through 2023 of biosimilars of Humira®, Avastin® and Lucentis®, if approved.

Such forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause Coherus’ actual results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the risks and uncertainties inherent in the clinical drug development process; the risks and uncertainties of the regulatory approval process, including the timing of Coherus’ regulatory filings; the risk that Coherus is unable to complete commercial transactions and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of Coherus’ drug candidates; and the risks and uncertainties of possible patent litigation. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Coherus undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to Coherus’ business in general, see Coherus’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 25, 2021,its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 5, 2021

and its future periodic reports to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Results for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of our operating results for any future periods.

Junshi Biosciences Contact Information
IR Team:
Junshi Biosciences
info@junshipharma.com
+ 86 021-2250 0300

Solebury Trout
Bob Ai
bai@soleburytrout.com
+ 1 646-389-6658

PR Team:
Junshi Biosciences
Zhi Li
zhi_li@junshipharma.com
+ 86 021-6105 8800

Coherus Contact Information:
IR Contact:
McDavid Stilwell
Coherus BioSciences, Inc.
mstilwell@coherus.com
+1 (650) 395-0152

Media Contact:
Sheryl Seapy
Real Chemistry
sseapy@realchemistry.com
+1 (949) 903-4750

September 17, 2021

Align Technology Introduces First Professional Whitening System Optimized for Invisalign Aligners and Vivera Retainers Powered by Ultradent’s Opalescence Tooth Whitening Systems

‘Invisalign Professional Whitening System – powered by Opalescence’

New Invisalign Professional Whitening System revolutionizes teeth whitening with an all-in-one solution that enables Invisalign trained doctors to straighten and whiten teeth at the same time.

Align signs multi-year agreement with Ultradent, a leader in tooth whitening for over 30 years, to offer Invisalign trained doctors an exclusive professional whitening system with the leading Opalescence PF whitening formula
New Invisalign Professional Whitening System revolutionizes teeth whitening with an all-in-one solution that enables Invisalign trained doctors to straighten and whiten teeth at the same time

TEMPE, Ariz. and SOUTH JORDAN, Utah, Sept. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Align Technology, Inc. (“Align”) (Nasdaq: ALGN) a leading global medical device company that designs, manufactures, and sells the Invisalign system of clear aligners, iTero intraoral scanners, and exocad CAD/CAM software for digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry, today announced an exclusive supply and distribution agreement with Ultradent Products Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of high-tech dental materials, devices, and instruments worldwide.

As part of the multi-year agreement, Align will offer Invisalign trained doctors an exclusive professional whitening system with the leading Opalescence PF whitening formula from Ultradent, optimized for use with Invisalign clear aligners and Vivera retainers. The system will carry the co-branded name of ‘Invisalign Professional Whitening System – powered by Opalescence’ and will offer the same great whitening outcomes and streamlined practice experience dental professionals expect from the Opalescence PF product during active tooth movement with Invisalign aligners, as well as during passive retention using Vivera retainers. The Invisalign Professional Whitening System will be commercially available globally in 2022.

“A brighter, whiter smile is an important part of the Invisalign patient journey. In fact, a survey of North American Invisalign practices (1) shows that half of their patients ask for teeth whitening during or after they complete Invisalign treatment,” said Raj Pudipeddi, Align Technology chief product and marketing officer, and SVP and managing director of the Asia Pacific Region. “We believe that by providing an all-in-one solution that combines a leading teeth-whitening system with the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, we enable Invisalign trained doctors to enhance their patients’ treatment experience with a seamless workflow that also enables practice efficiency and growth. We’re very excited to partner with Ultradent to offer the first professional whitening system optimized for use with Invisalign clear aligners and Vivera retainers. Invisalign system trained doctors can use Opalescence PF for in-office teeth whitening treatment and for doctor supervised at-home whitening.”

“We’re honored to partner with Align to make the top professional teeth whitening products available to more clinicians and patients around the world,” said Ultradent President and CEO Dirk Jeffs. “Providing Align with teeth whitening products, ideal for use with Invisalign aligners and Vivera retainers, is a considerable step toward our mission of improving oral health globally and we look forward to pursuing this mission together.”

“Many of my patients would like whiter teeth as well as a straighter smile,” said Dr. Brian Amy, an orthodontist and Align Faculty member practicing in Oklahoma City. “The new Invisalign Professional Whitening System allows me to provide both simultaneously using the brands I trust.”

“After testing this system in my practice, I can confirm that the Invisalign Professional Whitening System is easy to administer and offers a great patient experience by combining whitening with Invisalign aligners or Vivera retainers,” said Dr. Jennifer Bell, a restorative and cosmetic dentist and Align GP Advisory Board Member practicing in Holly Springs, North Carolina. “The simple ordering mechanism minimizes burden on my practice to store and manage whitening products, while providing the brighter, whiter smiles we have come to expect from the Opalescence PF product.”

Ultradent is an ISO13485 certified facility and will manufacture the products according to those standards.

(1) 2017 online survey of Invisalign doctors, data on file at Align Technology.

About Align Technology, Inc.
Align Technology designs, manufactures and offers the Invisalign system, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero intraoral scanners and services, and exocad CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for over 200 thousand doctor customers and is key to accessing Align’s 500 million consumer market opportunity worldwide. Align has helped doctors treat approximately 10.9 million patients with the Invisalign system and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.

For additional information about the Invisalign system or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com. For additional information about iTero digital scanning system, please visit www.itero.com. For additional information about exocad dental CAD/CAM offerings and a list of exocad reseller partners, please visit www.exocad.com.

About Ultradent Products, Inc.
Ultradent Products, Inc., is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-tech dental materials, devices, and instruments worldwide. Ultradent’s vision is to improve oral health globally. Ultradent also works to improve the quality of life and health of individuals through financial and charitable programs. For more information about Ultradent, call 800.552.5512, visit ultradent.com or find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements, including the expectations for and the terms of the agreement between Align and Ultradent the availability and capabilities of the combined Invisalign aligner and Opalescence offering, our beliefs regarding the market for the combined offering and the potential benefits to doctors, their offices and patients, and other similar comments or statements that are forward-looking in nature. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release relating to expectations about future events or results are based upon information available to Align as of the date hereof. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. As a result, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.

Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to:

the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and safety of our employees, customers, patients, and our suppliers, as well as the physical and economic impacts of the various recommendations, orders, and protocols issued by local and national governmental agencies in light of continual evolution of the pandemic, including any periodic reimplementation of preventative measures in various global locations;
difficulties predicting customer and consumer purchasing behavior and changes in consumer spending habits as a result of, among other things, prevailing economic conditions, levels of employment, salaries and wages, and consumer confidence, particularly in light of the pandemic and as pandemic-related restrictions are eased regionally and globally;
unexpected or rapid changes in the growth or decline of our domestic and/or international markets;
increasing competition from existing and new competitors;
rapidly evolving and groundbreaking advances that fundamentally alter the dental industry or the way new and existing customers market and provide products and services to consumers;
the ability to protect our intellectual property rights;
continued compliance with regulatory requirements;
declines in, or the slowing of the growth of, sales of our intraoral scanners domestically and/or internationally and the impact either would have on the adoption of Invisalign products;
the willingness and ability of our customers to maintain and/or increase product utilization in sufficient numbers;
the possibility that the development and release of new products or enhancements to existing products do not proceed in accordance with the anticipated timeline or may themselves contain bugs or errors requiring remediation and that the market for the sale of these new or enhanced products may not develop as expected;
a tougher consumer demand environment in China generally, especially for manufacturers and service providers whose headquarters or primarily operations are not based in China;
the risks relating to our ability to sustain or increase profitability or revenue growth in future periods (or minimize declines) while controlling expenses;
the impact of excess or constrained capacity at our manufacturing and treat operations facilities and pressure on our internal systems and personnel;
the compromise of customer and/or patient data for any reason;
the timing of case submissions from our doctors within a quarter as well as an increased manufacturing costs per case;
foreign operational, political and other risks relating to our international manufacturing operations; and
the loss of key personnel or work stoppages.

The foregoing and other risks are detailed from time to time in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 26, 2021 and our latest Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, which was filed with the SEC on August 4, 2021. Align undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

Align Technology Madelyn Valente (408) 470-1180 mvalente@aligntech.com		Zeno Group Sarah Johnson (828) 551-4201 sarah.johnson@zenogroup.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1742977a-2b2f-4438-a77a-ac27bbc577de

September 17, 2021

Anti-Junta Townships in Myanmar Fear Internet Shutdowns Signal Imminent Military Offensive

Residents of townships in Myanmar where authorities have shut down access to the internet say they fear an imminent military offensive amid an information lockdown and increase in arrests since the shadow National Unity Government (NUG) declared war on the junta last week.

Access to the internet is now cut off in 10 townships in five administrative regions that have seen widespread anti-junta protests since the military seized power in a Feb. 1 coup d’état, including Sagaing, Mandalay and Magway, as well as in the state of Kachin, sources told RFA’s Myanmar Service.

In Kachin’s Hpakant township, the internet has been down since Aug. 20, while access in most townships in Mandalay, Sagaing and Magway regions was blocked on Sept. 14

Calls to Ooredoo Myanmar, which operates telecommunications services in the country, were routed to a recorded voice message on Thursday informing the public that the cuts were made “under instruction from the Ministry of Transport and Communications” and that customers would be notified “as soon as possible, if service is restored.”

Residents of Sagaing’s Kani township, where reports say around 40 people were killed following an anti-junta protest in July, told RFA that they believe internet access may have been shut down to prevent access to information by the local branch of the People’s Defense Force (PDF) militia formed to protect the public from the military.

“There are a lot of problems now because of the internet outage—we don’t have any information from anywhere,” said one resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity citing fear of reprisal.

“People are speculating that the military is planning to launch an attack on PDF forces now that the internet is shut down. It could be true, since telecom towers were blown up in Butalin and Kani, and there could be an offensive for revenge.”

RFA has recorded the destruction of a total of 65 communications towers since Sept. 4 in Mandalay, Sagaing, Magway and Ayeyawaddy regions, and in Chin and southern Shan states.

PDF militias have destroyed dozens of towers operated by military-run telecom Mytel Telecommunications Co. in a bid to decrease company revenue they say the regime will use to buy weapons to wield against the population. Several have been destroyed since Sept. 7, when the NUG declared a nationwide state of emergency and called for open rebellion against junta rule, prompting an escalation of attacks on military targets by various allied pro-democracy militias and ethnic armed groups.

As many as 11 towers were destroyed on Sept. 7 alone in Sagaing’s Butalin township, they said. At least five Mytel towers were blown up between Sept. 9 and 15 in northern Chin state’s Tedim township, and locals said Mytel internet connections were unavailable since Wednesday.

In several areas, including Magway’s Taungdwingyi township, residents said that internet connections for all four of Myanmar’s operators—MPT, Telenor, Ooredoo and Mytel—had been cut off.

A Mytel tower is destroyed in Sagaing region’s Butalin township, Sept. 7, 2021. HTY Information

Risk of rights abuses

A resident of Sagaing’s Yinmabin township warned that military-perpetrated human rights abuses could escalate once the internet is cut off.

“Even when internet access was available, brutal massacres were being committed by the military, but without it, the situation would be unthinkable,” he said.

A state employee in Magway region, who declined to be named, told RFA that the junta had instructed all telecom operators to shut down 3G, 4G and WTTH (Broadband) internet lines in Sagaing, Mandalay and Magway beginning Sept. 14.

One such operator, Norway’s Telenor Myanmar, confirmed to RFA that it was experiencing “limitations in providing services due to compliance with local laws in the country,” without providing details.

In the more than seven months since Myanmar’s Feb. 1 coup, security forces have killed 1,105 civilians and arrested at least 6,572, according to the Bangkok-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP)—mostly during crackdowns on anti-junta protests.

During the coup, the internet was cut off across the country, with wi-fi and broadband services shut down until late April and only cable internet and business internet services accessible. According to figures compiled by RFA, a total of 707 people were killed in shootings by security forces during that period.

The junta says it unseated Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) government because the party engineered a landslide victory in Myanmar’s November 2020 election through widespread voter fraud. It has yet to present evidence of its claims and public unrest is at an all-time high.

During past internet shutdowns, reports have surfaced of government soldiers entering villages to loot and burn homes, forcing resident to flee to safety. However, the junta has defended the blocks, with spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun telling RFA last year that restricting access to the internet had reduced the number of posts on social media about matters of national security, including military movements and activities.

Amid the nationwide turmoil since February’s coup, the military has stepped up offensives in remote parts of the country, triggering fierce battles with local PDF militias and some of the dozens of ethnic armies that control large swathes of territory along Myanmar’s periphery.

A resident of Mandalay told RFA he believes the main aim of the junta in cutting off internet access is “to carry out some kind of a military operation.”

“It’s meant to prevent the PDFs from exchanging information so that they can attack them,” he said.

“Even before the internet was shut down, [the military was] doing what they wanted to do. I’m worried that there will be more brutalities against innocent people.”

Myint Kyaw, a veteran journalist, said the junta would “gain the upper hand” by cutting off the internet, and said he expects “there will be more human rights abuses” as a result.

“It’s a news blackout to cover things up,” he said.

The junta’s Ministry of Transport and Communications had yet to comment on the internet shutdowns as of Thursday.

Junta security forces on patrol in Ward No. 1, in Yangon's Mayangone township, March 20, 2021. RFA — Junta security forces on patrol in Ward No. 1, in Yangon’s Mayangone township, March 20, 2021. RFA

Security tightened in Yangon

Meanwhile, the military has arrested at least 220 civilians across the country since last week’s NUG declaration, according to the AAPP.

In particular, authorities have tightened security and stepped up arrests in Yangon, where at least 11 people—including five women—were arrested and beaten in No. 7 and No. 3 wards on Wednesday. RFA obtained a video that purportedly shows one young man from among the 11 being kicked by the military and police.

A youth activist involved with the Yangon Urban Guerrilla Movement told RFA that the military is targeting and arresting the city’s young people, while increasing random searches.

“They want to conduct a check as soon as they see a young person. They open up and search your backpack if you have one—one time, I even had to take off my clothes,” he said.

“In the city center, only passenger cars were inspected before. But following an explosion on a bus after the NUG’s war declaration, they began carrying out surprise checks on buses too. Restrictions in the neighborhood are getting tighter and tighter.”

Additionally, residents told RFA that military forces are patrolling key areas in the city, making nighttime guest list checks, and beating and arresting people daily.

More than 100 people were arrested in Ward 13, in Yangon’s Hlaing township, alone on the night of Sept. 8—the day after the NUG’s announcement—for failing to register guests. Hlaing residents said they were released the next day after being questioned about whether they had any contact with NUG or PDF groups.

The junta revived the Ward Administrator Law, popularly known as the Guest List Law, on Feb 13. Two days after the NUG announcement last week, the military’s Central Committee for Combating Terrorism issued a statement warning that any homeowner who fails to register a guest that is found to have committed acts of violence is subject to prosecution, while their property can be confiscated by the state.

Nan Lin, a leader of the Rangoon University Students Union Alumni, said that by reviving the guest list law, the military has given itself the power to oppress the people in whatever way it sees fit, while claiming to act in the nation’s best interests.

“It’s true things are getting tougher for our movement, but we have to find ways to stand up against the junta,” he said.

“No matter what, we will carry our mission out in this city. The military cannot stop us just by arresting or torturing us. Revolutionary movements will continue to emerge in various forms throughout the country.”

Reported by RFA’s Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.