National News

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• NLD leader talks peace as war continues in Kachin State
• Election police training to begin
• Armed rebel troops attend SNLD campaign event
• Kayin groups slam KNU over signing of ceasefire agreement
• Government pledges to support freedom of education on World Teachers’ Day
• Japan to fund agricultural university upgrade
• Cultural heritage listing sought for Inle
• Sesame farmers reject railway compensation
• Political parties struggle for Inle Lake
• Local candidates call on voters to choose people over parties

NLD leader talks peace as war continues in Kachin State Posted: 05 Oct 2015 02:30 PM PDT Long-running civil war, the exploitation of natural resources and the looming shadow of China were among many tough issues Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had to tackle in a campaign rally in Kachin State's trading centre of Bhamo yesterday.

Election police training to begin Posted: 05 Oct 2015 02:30 PM PDT Police are preparing a comprehensive security blanket in advance of the November 8 election. Training is about to begin for more than 40,000 special police officers drafted nationwide to supplement the regular force during elections, while there is also a provision for calling the military to be prepared if need be.

Armed rebel troops attend SNLD campaign event Posted: 05 Oct 2015 02:30 PM PDT Despite lacking an invitation, soldiers from an armed ethnic group in Shan State lurked at the back of an election kick-off rally this weekend, leaving voters with an eerie reminder of the security forces in past elections.

Kayin groups slam KNU over signing of ceasefire agreement Posted: 05 Oct 2015 02:30 PM PDT Kayin civil society organisations in Myanmar and abroad have slammed leaders of the Karen National Union as undemocratic and lacking transparency by agreeing to sign the nationwide ceasefire agreement with the government later this month.

Government pledges to support freedom of education on World Teachers’ Day Posted: 05 Oct 2015 02:30 PM PDT Both the president and vice president promised to bolster the education system on World Teachers' Day yesterday, adding that freedom of education is of utmost importance. Student activists have fiercely protested the government's overhaul of the education system, mainly on the grounds that it curtails academic freedom. More than 70 students and activists remain in jail, on trial after protests and marches that erupted in response to the National Education Law.

Japan to fund agricultural university upgrade Posted: 05 Oct 2015 02:30 PM PDT Japan has unveiled a US$10.6 million grant to Yezin Agricultural University - the largest single international donation to the university to date.

Cultural heritage listing sought for Inle Posted: 05 Oct 2015 02:30 PM PDT The delicate lotus-robe weaving, leg-rowing races and ecology of Inle Lake in Shan State could soon receive global recognition, with officials indicating they plan to nominate it for inclusion on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Sesame farmers reject railway compensation Posted: 05 Oct 2015 02:30 PM PDT Magwe sesame farmers whose land was taken to build a railway line say the compensation they have received is inadequate. The farmers, in Kyarkan, Gyogyarkan and neighbouring villages near Magwe city, have repeatedly protested that the compensation paid is too little and too late.

Political parties struggle for Inle Lake Posted: 05 Oct 2015 02:30 PM PDT A heady mix of ethnic politics, environmental concerns and thirst for rural development is driving the election campaign around Inle Lake. The sight of politicians taking part in traditional tribal dancing to the sound of drums is becoming increasingly common in Shan State's Nyaungshwe township.

Local candidates call on voters to choose people over parties Posted: 05 Oct 2015 02:30 PM PDT Smaller opposition parties without the fame and celebrity status of the National League for Democracy have reversed Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's campaign slogan: Vote for the candidates, not the party, they say.

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