Main Findings and Analysis Throughout the reporting period, KHRW observed that many of the human rights violations occurred in areas rich in natural resources, such as jade. As the junta increases its presence in these areas, the security of civilians is directly undermined, with many local men in particular being arbitrarily arrested and detained, and then either forcibly disappeared or later found by their families with signs of torture on their bodies. Orders and commands from the regime's top-level commanders and authorities for junta soldiers on the ground to expand their presence in Kachin State have resulted in a climate of fear. Military-imposed curfews and roadblocks have restricted the transportation of goods, further impeding access to livelihoods, health, education and social services. Ongoing telecommunications shutdowns have further burdened villagers by depriving them of information. Ahead of the sham election and during the reporting period, KHRW observed intensified attacks throughout Kachin State, particularly in resource-rich areas. The junta deliberately used the sham election as a tool to control and extract resources from local communities, aggressively targeting the KIA and civilian areas with ongoing airstrikes, heavy artillery, and coordinated ground offensives. In fiercely contested zones, such as the jade-mining hub of Hpakant, ground troops routinely use heavy artillery when advancing on or losing positions. This is a strategic and coordinated effort by the region to recapture towns and mountain shields. With backing from countries such as China, economic interests and security are being prioritized over civilian rights and freedoms, most notably through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has displaced communities and forged ahead, with national security prioritized over civilian rights. China has been a reliable ally for Myanmar and has also supported the sham election process and its outcomes. China relies heavily on pipelines that run through Myanmar’s conflict zones, including massive energy projects such as the $3.6 billion Myitsone Dam on the Irrawaddy River and the Dapein dam. In a desperate bid, the military junta has sought to assure Chinese officials that these projects can still be carried out, despite ongoing conflict and strong opposition from local communities. 11 | "Inhumane Acts" by KHRW