Democratic Voice of Burma

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• 2,000 displaced by recent conflict, says Karen NGO
• Par Gyi laid to rest, but questions remain
• Karen long-necks stretch tradition

2,000 displaced by recent conflict, says Karen NGO Posted: 07 Nov 2014 10:09 PM PST Renewed fighting between Burmese government forces and ethnic rebel groups in Karen State has forced more than 2,000 villagers from their homes, many of whom now require immediate humanitarian assistance, according to a report released this week by Karen Rivers Watch (KRW). "Between October 7 and October 18, at least six different incidents of fighting occurred in Hpa-an District's Hlaing Bwe (Lu Pleh) Township and Hpapun District's Bu Tho and Dwe Lo Townships. These clashes, fought between combined Burma Army/BGF forces and the DKBA, involved heavy mortar fire … Villagers in the area once again suffered the consequences of violent conflict. Over 2,000 people were forced to flee their homes, and most remain in hiding, fearing for their safety," the report said. Titled "Afraid to Go Home: Recent Violent Conflict and Human Rights Abuses in Karen State", the Karen NGO describes the recent surge in fighting as "part of a calculated military strategy" by the Burmese army and its allies, the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF). Related Stories Par Gyi laid to rest, but questions remain 'No respite from militarisation’ in southeast Burma: TBC NGOs say ethnic areas have no ‘virgin lands’ It said the move was directed at seizing territory, "possibly motivated by plans to construct the Hatgyi Dam on the Salween River." The Hatgyi Dam is a mega-hydroelectric dam project contracted between the Burmese government and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. The report said last month's hostilities in Karen State forced more than 2,000 people to cross the border into neighbouring Thailand. KRW urged the Thai authorities not to force the displaced villagers back into conflict zones.

Par Gyi laid to rest, but questions remain Posted: 07 Nov 2014 09:26 PM PST Burmese journalist Par Gyi was buried in Rangoon on Friday, finally laid to rest after a public exhumation from a shallow grave and a public outcry over his killing while in the custody of Burmese government soldiers last month. But many questions remain as to why he was killed with such brutality. The Burmese military has maintained that Par Gyi (a.k.a. Aung Naing) was suspected of being a rebel soldier and detained, and that he was shot when he tried to wrestle a gun from a guard, then tried to escape. However, it was immediately apparent when his body was exhumed that he had been tortured or severely beaten before he was killed. DVB spoke exclusively on Friday with Sitt Myaing, the chairman of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC), about the investigation into Par Gyi's untimely death.   MNHRC Chairman Sitt Myaing Q: Can you tell us how much freedom the MNHRC was given to investigate Ko Par Gyi's death? A: We were given free rein. We were allowed to question persons of interest at our preferred locations. The Tatmadaw (Burmese armed forces) sent soldiers who we wished to question, including battalion commanders. The Tatmadaw itself is also investigating the case with a tribunal they formed. We have also called upon members of that tribunal for questioning. We also questioned the police, including the police commander, as well as eye-witnesses and village leaders. We also demanded materials as evidence, including photographs, paperwork and faxes. Q: Did you get to question the army unit responsible for arresting Ko Par Gyi? Did you meet with those who personally took part in his detention? A: Yes. We questioned the key persons of interest and senior officers from the units involved. Q: Did you get the chance to interview the solider who shot Ko Par Gyi? A: Yes. He is a lance corporal. We have questioned him and are looking to conduct a further interview. For now, there is nothing conclusive to indicate how accurate his testimony is. We need to ascertain more details from witnesses. Q: When will the MNHRC be ready to present its report? A: We cannot say exactly when. We are waiting for the autopsy report from the forensic team. There needs to be more lab tests. It shouldn't take too long. Q: So the investigation is ongoing? A: I think the first phase is finished here in Moulmein. For now, we will analyse all the testimonies back in Rangoon. I expect we will have more questions after that. We have informed the army that we will return to conduct further enquiries if necessary. Q: From your analysis so far, do you think it is true that Ko Par Gyi was shot as he tried to escape? A: It's too early to say. And as this case is in the centre of much attention, we don't want to make any assumptions. We need to conduct a thorough investigation first. Related Stories 2,000 displaced by recent conflict, says Karen NGO Five gunshot wounds found on Par Gyi's body Par Gyi tortured before death

Karen long-necks stretch tradition Posted: 07 Nov 2014 04:27 PM PST Women of the Karen ethnic hilltribe in northern Thailand are renowned for their unusually long necks, stretched by multiple layers of neck-rings starting from the age of five. They are a tourist drawcard, but the tradition may be dying out. Young Karen women can now choose whether they want to have the heavy and uncomfortable wire coils around their necks. In this video, Karen women talk about the tradition and the tourists who visit them. (Video by Jetjaras Na Ranong) This video was originally published in the Bangkok Post on 27 October 2014.

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