Sunday, August 18, 2013

National News

National News


MPs warned not to use farmland conflicts to win votes

Posted: 18 Aug 2013 10:56 AM PDT

The head of a land investigation commission has warned MPs not to use land disputes for political gain as parliamentarians express concern that farmers are vulnerable to exploitation by politicians, activists and brokers.

Constitutional change in hands of government: Shwe Mann

Posted: 18 Aug 2013 10:55 AM PDT

Proposed changes to the constitution will require both parliament and government support if they are to be approved, Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann says.


Deaths prompt calls for security reform

Posted: 18 Aug 2013 10:50 AM PDT

Recent killings in Rakhine State have dashed hopes that the disbandment of the controversial Na Sa Ka border security force would ease tensions in the conflict-hit region, sources in the area say.


Rakhine aid workers resigning over social media threats

Posted: 18 Aug 2013 10:47 AM PDT

Threats are forcing Myanmar workers to quit their jobs helping victims of violence in Rakhine State, it has emerged. International aid organisations working in the conflict-hit state say anti-Rohingya campaigners are targeting their staff on social media after learning their identities.

Police avoid more violence in Maubin

Posted: 18 Aug 2013 10:46 AM PDT

Seven farmers charged over deadly clashes in February remain on the run and local authorities are making no effort to bring them in.


Police probe gun-wielding major general

Posted: 18 Aug 2013 10:36 AM PDT

Police in Nay Pyi Taw say they expect to complete an investigation this week into complaints that a prominent general pulled a gun on farmers when tensions boiled over in a long-running land dispute.

Fresh arrests as residents reject Letpadaung mine deal

Posted: 18 Aug 2013 10:29 AM PDT

Monywa residents have vowed to continue pushing for the release of activist Daw Naw Ohn Hla, who was arrested on August 13 during a protest against the US$1 billion Letpadaung copper mine project.

Ministry to ban milk powder ads through FDA Law

Posted: 18 Aug 2013 10:27 AM PDT

Health authorities are sticking to the motto that "breast is best" and plan to introduce a ban on advertising and marketing of breast-milk substitutes aimed at children up to two years of age, ministry officials said last week.

Flash floods leave one dead in Shan State

Posted: 18 Aug 2013 10:18 AM PDT

Flash floods in eastern and northern Shan State late last week killed one person, while another remains missing, the director of the Relief and Resettlement Department said on August 14.

Tallest man heads abroad for treatment

Posted: 18 Aug 2013 10:17 AM PDT

Myanmar's tallest man left for Singapore last week to receive medical treatment in a dramatic race against time to save his life.