Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan farmers voice concerns about environmental damage

Posted: 06 May 2015 07:23 AM PDT

Over ten thousand Shan farmers have gathered in Mong Nai township, southern Shan State, requesting the protection of the environment and natural resources in Shan State.
Environment_protect_001
According to Sai Bee, a resident of Mongnai, Shan farmers across Shan State held an event on May 2 in Yae Loi Jak Daw village, Nar Karn sub-district, Mongnai township. The purpose of the event was to exchange ideas and discuss important issues in different areas and find ways to solve problems.
"The main issues we discussed include gold mining in Monglen, the gas pipeline, road construction in Kunlong-Hsenwi townships and land confiscation," said Sai Bee.
001_-_Mong_Nai
Sai Maung Gyi, a Mongnai township MP for Constituency # 2 said residents have faced a lot of problems since investment entered Mongnai township. Many citizens' farmlands have been seized, many precious heritage sites have been destroyed, and drugs have also become widespread. The rivers which residents use for drinking and irrigating farmland have been damaged.

"Over 1,000 acres of local people's land have been seized by a militia group and investment companies. What's more, Shwe Lin Yone Company, which is backed by MTA Shwe Pyi Aye, has seized over 5,000 acres of village land. But until now no project has been implemented on the land. They have just left it empty," said Sai Maung Gyi.

"We have called on the government many times to take action on this issue, but nothing has been done," he added.

Nang Lar, an environmental activist in Monglen, Tar-ler sub-township, said: "We have been fighting against gold mining operations in the Monglen area. We demanded an end to their operations as well as full compensation for all losses and restoration of waterways and lands to their former state. But there has been no satisfactory response."

"So we will continue fighting against any group that destroys our environment, and we will protect our people's rights," she said.

Wa will not be NCA signatory

Posted: 06 May 2015 04:06 AM PDT

The United Wa State Army (UWSA) says due to its different situation from other ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) draft as negotiated by the Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) with the government is unacceptable, according to the Wa supreme leader Bao Youxiang's message in Burmese read our today on the last day of the 12-EAO conference in Pangkham.
meeting pangsang
Nevertheless, it is ready to join hands with brotherhood organizations to hold political dialogue with the government "for the achievement of racial equality, political equality and equitable sharing of natural resources."

"Your discussions about existing political inequality, your opposition to armed resolution, and your stand on resolution of ethnic issues through political dialogue are all in line with the position of the 'Wa State'," the 66-year old chairman said.

The 12 point joint demands/ resolutions include:
  1. Resolution of the civil war through political means
  2. Inclusion of EAOs yet to conclude ceasefire with the government in the signing of the NCA
  3. Cessation of government offensives in Kachin, Palaung, Kokang and Arakan areas
  4. Curbs on further human rights abuse
  5. Amendment of 2008 constitution to build up a federal union based on democracy, racial equality and right of self determination
  6. There will be no secession from the union
  7. Welcomes UN and China's efforts to bring about cessation of hostilities in northern Burma and the signing of the NCA
  8. Nationwide political dialogue must include representatives from government, parliament, Tatmadaw (Burmese military), political parties, the people and the EAOs
  9. Need to cultivate the spirit of peaceful co-existence among different nationalities
  10. EAOs will form a representative body to hold talks with the government
  11. The majority EAOs attending the summit have shown understanding and support for the Wa call for a state level status
  12. More meetings will be held in order to further discuss and implement the points agreed at the summit
Update
12:oo
The "joint statement", latest reports say, is still a draft for discussion. "The     conference is still haggling over the 12 points," said the source.

Burma Army base attacked by unknown armed group

Posted: 05 May 2015 09:27 PM PDT

An unknown armed group attacked a Burma Army base in Hsipaw township, reportedly causing one death and injuring four others.
SiPaw-TownShip_War
The attack happened at about 8 pm on May 4 at Burma Army Battalion 23 base in Dong Jarng village, north of Hsipaw township and lasted about one hour.

"A Burmese soldier was killed and four injured," said a source close to an armed group in Hsipaw. "The unknown group knew that some Burmese soldiers had been sent to frontline combat and there was no guard at the base so they attacked."

According to an unconfirmed report, the attack at the Burma Army Battalion 23 was carried out by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, which is active in the area.


However, the TNLA Information Department reported that only two clashes occurring on May 4, the first at about 9 am between Mongkut and Pang Oo Long township (Maymyo township) and the second at about 6pm between Mong Long and Kyawkme township.
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